📚 Stamede to Read Program

Our most popular wellness visit!

The Stamede to Read Program gives children and community members the chance to practice reading and speaking skills in a safe, calm, and nonjudgmental space—with a furry friend by their side.

Readers sit privately with a therapy dog or cat, accompanied only by the animal’s certified handler. The handler gently introduces the pet and helps readers feel comfortable, but they do not correct or critique reading. Instead, the animal simply listens, creating a supportive environment where confidence can grow naturally.

🐾 How It Works

• Either A) select readers are chosen to Each have 15 minutes of one-on-one time with a therapy animal.

• or B) children circle around the dog and each take turns reading 1 sentence/page at a time to the dog as a group
  
  

• Handlers stay nearby to introduce the pet and ensure safety, but the focus is on the bond between reader and animal.
  
  

• Children can bring their own book or choose from a selection we provide.
  
  

• The animal “listens” attentively, providing comfort without judgment.
  
  

🌟 Who Can Participate

This program is open to everyone who wants to strengthen or enjoy their reading:

• Children catching up on grade-level reading skills (especially after COVID school disruptions).

• Adults who were never taught to read and want a safe, supportive place to begin.

• Beginning English (ESL) readers

• Individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities who benefit from patient, calm practice.

• Anyone who simply loves books and wants to share them with a furry, listening friend.

We partner with adult schools, daycares, elementary schools, and libraries for this program. We also offer 1-on-1 sessions.

💕 Why It Works

The Stamede to Read Program provides a unique path to literacy growth:

• 🐕 Nonjudgmental Audience – Therapy animals never laugh at mistakes or pressure readers.
  
  

• 🌈 Confidence Builder – Readers gain self-assurance at their own pace.
  
  

• 📖 Improved Fluency – Regular practice helps strengthen speaking and reading flow.
  
  

• 💕 Emotional Support – The calming presence of an animal reduces anxiety and makes reading enjoyable.
  
  

It’s not about correction—it’s about connection.

🌟 Community Impact

At times, we also invite senior volunteers to share space with the program as community role models. They don’t correct reading but may encourage and cheer on participants, helping to create bonds across generations.

This makes Stamede to Read a win for the reader, the therapy animal, and the community.

📚 Donate a Book, Inspire a Reader

We love providing a variety of books for our young readers, and you can help!

We are currently accepting new or gently used books for readers under 16, with a special need for stories aimed at ages 5–12. These books will be added to our Stamede to Read library so every child has access to engaging, age-appropriate stories during their session.

💌 To donate, please Contact Us Here at takeapawsca@gmail.com or bring books to our next scheduled event.

Backed By Science

Benefits of Reading to Therapy Animals

Reading to therapy animals has been shown to boost literacy, confidence, and emotional well-being in children. Here’s what the research says:

1. Tufts University Pilot Study

Children who read aloud to dogs in a school setting showed significant improvements in reading fluency and a heightened enthusiasm for reading.
“The non-judgmental presence of the dogs provided a comfortable environment for children to practice and enhance their reading skills.”
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2. University of California-Davis Study

Participation in a reading program with shelter dogs resulted in gains in reading fluency ranging from 12% to 30%.
“The presence of dogs helped reduce anxiety and improved the children's confidence in reading aloud.”
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3. Psychology Today Insights

Reading aloud to dogs alleviates the embarrassment children often feel when making mistakes in front of peers.
“The dogs' non-critical listening created a stress-free environment, encouraging children to read more frequently and with greater confidence.”
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4. Jacksonville Humane Society Program

Children who read to pets not only improved their reading skills but also benefited emotionally.
“The program also benefited the animals by providing them with socialization opportunities, creating a mutually beneficial experience.”
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5. Wiley Online Library Study

Research shows that reading to dogs provides unconditional positive regard and non-critical listening, supporting better reading outcomes and overall well-being.
“The unconditional positive regard provided by dogs contributed to improved reading outcomes and overall well-being for children.”
Read more

Ready to bring a Stamede to Read to your library, school, or community program?
Contact Us to Book a visit

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