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Just before 2 o’clock, three little boys burst into the library chanting “Dogs! Dogs! Dogs!” It is a quiet chant, and a controlled burst, but the excitement is clear. It’s the day they get to read a story to a dog. They’re so ready.
For the last year, Hawaii Fi-Do, a nonprofit that trains service dogs, has brought their community outreach “read to a dog” program to the Waikiki- Kapahulu public library. The program was started almost 20 years ago in Kahuku by Hawaii Fi-Do founder Susan Luehrs, who had been a special- education teacher. Over the years, Hawaii Fi-Do has brought skilled service dogs to schools and libraries so children can practice their reading with a well- behaved listener.
When the dogs arrive, it’s like celebrities have entered the building. Five-year-old Vinnie, a labradoodle with a gingery coat and expressive eyes, is led by volunteer Brennan Simcock. Six-year-old Kitta, Vinnie’s brother, comes with volunteer Vickie Kirihara. The children are giddy but manage to maintain decorum. They hurry to sign up for their turn to read.
Kitta looks like he’s smiling.
“Does Kitta smile?” I ask.
Kirihara confirms that he does.
Simcock and Kirihara bring the dogs to the carpeted area, and the kids — there are many, and though the number is fluid, 12 seems to be a good guess — begin to take turns.
Simcock shows 7-year-old first-grader Shayne Purdy-Valencia how to shake Vinnie’s paw and give him a treat before she starts her book.
Her brother, 10-year old Judah, stretches out on the floor to read to Kitta. Judah picked a book about a dog called Groovy Joe that he thought Kitta would like. “I tried to imagine inside the dog’s mind, like if he was a human, and what would make him laugh inside,” Judah said.
A tiny 4-year old girl carries a book half her height so she can take a turn reading to Kitta. She has chosen a book about the night sky, and she reads the passages and shows the pictures of stars to the dog. “She’s not really reading,” her mom confides. “We’ve just read that book a lot.” Kirihara smiles. “That little girl is reading. She’s amazing.”
Librarian Simi Singh had seen read-to-a-dog programs at libraries in other states. She contacted Hawaii Fi-Do to see if they’d be willing to come by once a month. “The children get to practice reading out loud to a listener that isn’t judging them,” she said. “They’re improving fluency and they’re having fun.”
I wonder out loud if the dogs are having fun.
“The dogs don’t really listen to the story,” Simcock laughs. “How do you know?” I challenge. I look over to see if Kitta is still smiling. He’s not. He looks like he’s listening. Or dozing. Hard to tell. Doesn’t matter. The children read on.
The program provides an excellent photo op for parents and grandparents. The adults stand back, cellphones aloft, taking pictures and videos of their children reading. The parents are definitely smiling.
Reach Lee Cataluna at 529-4315 or lcataluna@staradvertiser.com.
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