[Bucky's Mom]

Pets assisting learning at Stamm Elementary
Program helps eliminate students' fear of reading
By SARAH WILLIAMS
Staff writer

Nine-year-old Emily Moyer couldn't help but let a little fear creep in when she met Moose, her 100-pound Rottweiler reading partner.

But things changed quickly.

For their visit just last week, Moyer read to the dog, then presented him with a homemade card, complete with the smiling faces of herself, Moose and his handler and owner, Jill Otermat.

Moyer and Moose are part of a new reading program at Stamm Elementary called Pets Assisting Learning -- P.A.L. The program, just started this fall by Stamm parent Laurie Buchele, is designed to help students who may be having a little trouble getting the hang of things, or are shy about reading.

A third-grader, Moyer said she used to get nervous about reading and didn't like to do it in front of a class. But since meeting with Moose and Otermat for about six weeks, she's feeling more confident.

"I'm starting to like reading," Moyer said. "I'm getting better at it."

To get into the program, a student must be recommended by a teacher. A note is then sent to his or her parents for their approval and to check for allergies. Finally, the child signs a promise to treat the handler and pet with respect.

P.A.L. boasts the added bonus of familiarizing kids with animals -- how to treat them, and the kind of responsibility that goes into taking care of a pet.

"The whole idea is to take away the human component of fear," Buchele said.

"Maybe they're not that good at reading, or maybe they're scared to death to read in class. An animal doesn't criticize.

" ... It's the silliest idea, but it works -- it's working."

Buchele also brings her beagle, Daisy, in front of a whole first-grade class from time to time -- a reward for good readers.

Right now, there are seven dogs and their handlers working with eight children. Two more children are waiting for animals to be paired with.

And the program isn't limited to dogs -- Stamm's guinea pig, Midnight, and rabbit, Gilligan, also have the pleasure of a story now and again. In the case of "pocket pets," the child reads to the animal inside a cage.

Any type of pet is welcome.

Each dog serving as a listener in the program must be licensed and pass a Canine Good Citizen test by the American Kennel Club. Buchele's husband, Officer Ken Buchele of the Fremont Police Department, conducts the tests along with Chris Bliss, wife of Fremont Police Officer Dean Bliss. Ken Buchele is the K-9 coordinator/handler for the Fremont police.

The Canine Good Citizen test examines 10 characteristics of a dog's behavior -- for example, whether it accepts a friendly stranger, sits politely for petting, can walk through a crowd, is well-groomed, will come when called, and that it is not overly aggressive.

Other animals to enter the program are also tested, but in a less ceremonious manner. Ken Buchele said that so far, one dog volunteered for the program failed the test, and there was another problem: "I got bit by a hamster."

Handlers fill out an application and are checked for a criminal background.

As a handler, Otermat said she was interested in the program because she believes strongly in the importance of literacy. She also wanted kids to know that not all Rottweilers or big dogs are mean animals, as stereotypes often preach. Like Buchele at Stamm, she takes Moose to Hayes Elementary to appear in front of a class.

In the beginning of their pairing, Moyer read quietly and focused on Moose, Otermat said. But as time passed, the girl gained confidence in herself and felt more comfortable with Otermat.

Six weeks into the program Wednesday, Moyer was reading happily to both, sounding out words and asking Otermat for help whenever a word gave her a little trouble.

"At first, Emily was really nervous," Otermat said. "But since then, she's really been coming out of her shell.

" ... The light in her eyes means the world to me."

Once the book was finished, Moyer had some play time with the almost pony-sized canine, enticing him into tricks with doggy treats. He played dead, shook hands and barked on command, among other spectacles. Smiling, Moyer exclaimed a delighted, "Yuck!," from time to time, wiping Moose's slobber from her fingers onto her jeans.

With incentive like that, Moyer and Otermat aren't the only ones who enjoy the program. Upon arrival at the school, Moose's whole body wagged to compensate for his docked tail. He rested contentedly on the carpet while Moyer read to him, all the while being petted by adoring fans. And he gleefully devoured treats as they were made available.

"The animals love it," Buchele said. "I really think they do. They're always ready to go and get such complete attention. You can tell they're excited -- their tails are always wagging."

Originally published Friday, November 12, 2004 in the News-Messenger Newspaper of Central Ohio