Big Creek Pet Hospital Presents the 2nd Annual Reading Festival for Kids

Attending the Kids Reading Festival on Wednesday August 12th is one of the best ways to help any child relax, it is an opportunity for children to learn, grow, and thrive without any pressure and cuddle with a furry friend. Continue reading →

Aug 07, 2015 /prREACH/ -- Fun with dogs tend to include all the outdoor activities associated with summer: running around in the park, playing fetch, Frisbee, and perhaps jumping in every creek in the vicinity. No wonder kids love canine companions so much. For some children, though, it's the indoor activities they do with a dog that provide them with hours of furry fun. Some parents are surprised to find out that dogs can also help kids to concentrate on learning.

A Brief History of Reading with Dogs

Patriotic pet parents will be happy to learn that the idea of reading with dogs started right here in the United States of America. In 1999, Intermountain Therapy Animals in Salt Lake City, Utah, launched Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.), the first literacy program based on the motivating influence of a canine companion. The organization recognized the value of therapy animals in educational activities for children early on and has been spreading the concept ever since. It worked, and they are thriving now. Fast forward some 25 years and similar programs are active across North America, Europe, and South Africa, with more than 3,000 training teams active, and that's just those registered with the R.E.A.D. program. The concept hasn't been limited to those original programs either. Researchers have written several books on the subject of how kids are helped by having a learning companion who they realize has no expectations or judgment of their ability, whatever the task. Studies tend to show that children are more relaxed around dogs, especially when they read or create, which isn’t surprising when the task is considered fun at home by a child, rather than a homework assignment. When attending one of the kids’ festivals, trained therapy dogs and cats play a big part in helping children learn and relate to animals.

Events Featuring Therapy Animals: Because Big Creek Pet Hospital is lucky enough to have such a close relationship with W.A.G.S 4 Kids, and concur with the mission statement while understanding the value of therapy animals. Big Creek Pet Hospital's Head Dog, Fagin is one of them. That's why at these events include dogs that are a part of the Big Creek family, participating in activities like reading with children, helping them to learn pet safety, and just generally hanging out for a comforting cuddle. As an opportunity to learn without pressure and cuddle with a furry friend, attending an event like Kids Reading Festival on Wednesday August 12th is one of the best ways to help a child relax.

Big Creek Pet Hospital is the solution to everyone's pets needs. Please contact them at (440) - 234- 5831 to schedule an appointment or visit their website at www.bigcreekpet.com.