Kudos to the Erie Times News for more outstanding coverage on our therapy dog programs. On Tuesday, February 9th, reporters checked out our visiting therapy dogs at the Montessori Charter School for Excellence to learn more about the agency's in-school literacy program, "Tutors with a Tail." The school has been using certified TDU therapy dogs in the classroom on a regular basis every month since September 2009 in an effort to boost reading scores in the school's Title 1 reading program. The concept was developed by teacher and fellow TDU volunteer Rebecca Schauffele. She started bringing Sullivan (Great Dane) to school in 2008 and was impressed with the immediate connection between her students and her dog, especially when paired together to read a good book. In 2009, Rebecca was given school permission to start an experimental program that would compare reading scores of students who read to Sullivan, versus those who did not. Today, Sulley is joined by fellow certified therapy dog JR (Bernese Mounain Dog, volunteer handler Diana Ferguson). To read more about this exciting program, please check the Erie Times News, or check back here for a link to GoErie.com once the article is published.
More Therapy Dogs United News:
Therapy Dogs United is one of the many charities participating in the 2010 Disney "Give a Day, Get a Day" nationwide promotion. So far, we have had requests from nearly 1,000 potential volunteers who want to make a difference with our nonprofit - and spend a day at Disney free of charge! Dozens of volunteers have already signed up and served... Unfortunately, we have had to suspend our volunteer opportunites until April 2010, or until we get more materials. If you are able to donate fleece blanket material or PVC pipe, please Email pat@therapydogsunited.org, or call (814) 456-DOGS today.
