Read to the Dogs program turns 1

Dogs are the best listeners — especially for young readers who need to build confidence. The Portland-area area Canine Therapy Team’s Read to the Dogs program, which originally kicked off at Riverdale Grade School, celebrated its first year in March. The program, in which dogs lend a friendly, patient ear while students read to them, is a hit with kids and faculty alike. Principal Joanna Tobin credits the dogs with helping students "feel comfortable and set aside any anxiety or worries they may have about their reading proficiency.”