Sketching Out Blog: Sketches of art, watercolor, photos, recipes, books, interviews, Jewish topics, and Highland Park, New Jersey

Reading with Belle the Dog

belle
Belle is a dog. My daughter has been reading to her once a week at the Highland Park Public Library. Last year my daughter struggled with reading even the simplest words. This year she is making progress, and she feels comfortable at her reading sessions with Belle, who is sometimes called a “therapy” dog.

belle_fancynancy
This past week she chose to read a Fancy, Nancy book to Belle. See more of Belle and my daughter on the Highland Park Public Library photo gallery.

I am glad Belle has a red collar, so she can be my Ruby Tuesday post for this week. For more photos with red, visit:
RubySlippers_morris

Ilana-Davita says

We used to have a golden retriever. They're lovely dogs but a bit too big for a home. I am glad your daughter has found a friend who can help her with her reading and even more glad that she is making progress.
Hope to put up my RT post soon.

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Leora says

I'm wondering if Belle's fur would be considered "red."

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Ilana-Davita says

This is what Wikipedia hes to say about this: "The Golden's coat can also be of a mahogany color, referred to as "redheads", although this is not accepted in the British show ring."
For me the dog's lead qualified as red.

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Robin from Israel says

A reading therapy dog? That is SO cool! And a big woohoo to your daughter for all the progress she's making.

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Leora says

Thanks, Robin.

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Carletta says

They have these kind of programs in the old community and school where I lived in Virginia.
The program is called "Paws to Read".
A high five to your daughter! She looks content and proud beside that lovely pooch.

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Leora says

That's interesting, that it is also available in your area. It's amazing to me, that it really works! My daughter relaxes around Belle.

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Baila says

That dog is a stunner. Your daughter is, too.

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Ralph says

What a beauty of a dog, and as a therapy animal, a fine listener! Somewhat like talk therapy, the best listener we will ever meet! Belle is a help by being non-judgmental and just being there. Your daughter learned best with this wonderful being...

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Mrs. S. says

I've never heard of a reading therapy dog before. What a wonderful idea!

Kol hakavod to your daughter on her reading, and kol hakavod to you for finding a solution that fits her needs!

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EG Wow! says

What a great idea to help children feel comfortable reading! I'm impressed with whoever thought this up!

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Patti V. says

Our local libraries often have "Reading to Sandy" programs for children. I think Sandy is a Golden Retriever, not sure.

Congratulations to your beautiful daughter on her progress in reading. ;-)

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Leora says

Ah, so your libraries do this, too. It's a wonderful program.

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marian says

Belle certainly looks like she's enjoying the story your daughter's reading her..a wonderful gift!

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Rose says

One of my friends had a Golden Retriever...they are very nice dogs. I like the look both their faces in that second photo!

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Diane AZ says

What sweet pictures! Wonderful that your library has Belle the therapy dog.

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Jacob da Jew says

Cool dawg. My kids love dogs. My son runs after dogs and literally jumps on them. We have to hold him back.

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Leora says

She used to be afraid of dogs. No more.

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AuntieE says

Love the dog and what a good friend to read to. Happy RT

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eden says

wonderful pictures of your dog and daughter and congratulations to your daughter on her progress in reading.

Happy Ruby Tuesday

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chubskulit says

Very cute tandem!

My Ruby Tuesday

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Happily Retired Gal says

Marvelous photos with delightful touches of red! How wonderful the dog is helping her read ;-)
Hugs and blessings,

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sailor says

Oh how adorable they are!

My happy Ruby Tuesday

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Willa says

your daughter is so sweet and so pretty!!!

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felisol says

What a rare beauty you daughter is. One can easily spot the good and relaxed connection between your daughter and her four legged listener. What a wise way the relax from tention while cracking the reading code.
Picture # 2 sure is my favorite this week.
So many stories told in one picture.
From Felisol

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Meikah says

I like golden retrievers! And your daughter is pretty! ;) Gold fur and red leash is a good combination.

My RT entry is here. Happy RT! :)

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Anna's Adornments says

A library-dog! I've heard about them! Great!
I should find one for my son, who is still learning how to read!
Anna

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rachel says

We use therapy dogs here in the UK too. I think dogs are fantastic for this kind of role - they don't judge and love being hugged! I'm glad your daughter is progressing so well!

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Magical Mystical Teacher says

When reading to Belle,
all my fears about stumbling
over words vanish.

My Ruby Tuesday

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Nonizamboni says

Two angels in your last photo! And I read above that your daughter isn't afraid of dogs now. What a touching {and read) post.
p.s. The chairs are waiting for your visit!

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Hootin Anni says

One word...........Awwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!

My R T is seaworthy...OUCH! Click here

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mizhelle says

awww thats nice to hear! :) Belle is so adorable. and the dog too! ;)

u may view mine if u have time

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Dianne says

I saw a documentary about the therapy dogs and they discussed how they make the children calmer and that just naturally leads to better learning

Belle is a beauty

and your daughter has such a sweet shy smile

the part of beach in my post is in Keansburg
down the road from the amusement park
there are other stretches of that trail that I love - in Union Beach and Atlantic Highlands especially

I've been meaning to ask if you have ever visited the Longstreet Farm in Holmdel
if you ever feel the urge to e-mail me, it's very close to my home and I would love to join you

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Stephanie V says

That is a wonderful program. Dogs - especially goldens - are so non-judgmental. Who better to listen to you practice your reading?

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annie says

Oh look at those twin melting dark chocolate eyes on the two of them. Happy red color but ohhh, those eyes.

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Leora says

You think we should start a dark chocolate photo meme? Wonder if it would work...

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Jew Wishes says

What beautiful photos...so lovely and filled with radiance and joy.

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judih says

We've used such tales as reading comprehension passages for our students and now, you've given us, in Israel, 2 beautiful faces to make it all come alive.

Thank you Leora!
And may the reading continue.

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ramblingwoods says

Therapy dogs are wonderful. I am happy that the dog has helped your daughter with her reading.. Unconditional love...

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