We are excited to offer a new program to our readers who need a comfortable environment to practice their reading skills with TeeTonka- a certified therapy dog, and his handler Tom Daniels. The purpose of this program is to provide a non-judgmental experience that will allow children to gain or increase their confidence in reading aloud. Children will spend 15 minutes reading out loud to TeeTonka, who will be listening from the comfort of his own dog bed (Tom will also be in the room sitting behind TeeTonka to ensure that dog and child are sitting comfortably in their spots). Tom may provide pronunciation assistance should the child ask, but Tom’s main role is TeeTonka's handler.

4 Simple Rules (to be shared with your child): 

• A child must be able to read an age-appropriate book in its entirety, with little to no assistance.

• Be respectful to TeeTonka and his personal space (and Tom too!)- please do not

o lean too heavily on him- elbows hurt!

o pull his ears

o or be rough when patting him

• Stay focused on your reading- TeeTonka is not here to play!

• Show up for your reserved time slot or call the Library as soon as possible if there is a conflict.

How It Works:

1. You can register your child for one of the 15- minute reading sessions with TeeTonka. Registration is for one session only- not all 5 weeks. Registration for each week opens two-weeks prior (May 6th registration opens April 22nd , May 13th opens April 29th, etc.) Please note- there is no session on May 27th as the Library is closed for Memorial Day.

2. If you are interested in more than one session, you will need to register your child for the next session. Please note in #3 below- your time slot will not be guaranteed for future signups.

3. Time slots will be assigned based on the timestamp of your registration once it is approved by Library staff. Time slots available:

a. 3:30-3:45pm

b. 3:50-4:05pm

c. 4:10- 4:25pm

d. 4:30-4:45pm

4. Tom will be provided a copy of the attendance sheet each session, therefore any filling of empty slots or switching times must be handled by Library staff.

5. There will be a limited wait list in the event that someone is not able to attend. Staff will notify the next person on the wait list if there is an opening.

6. As TeeTonka’s handler, Tom has the right to request that a child not participate in future reading sessions if the child does not follow the basic rules set forth prior to this event.

7. Registration opens two weeks prior to each session, in hopes of giving more readers an opportunity to practice with TeeTonka.