Rottweiler assisting learning at Stamm Elementary School

[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

[JD102175]

You beat me to it Lisa. I was just about to post this same story.

Moose Here's a link to the story with a nice picture of Moose listening to Emily read.

[MontanaRott]

What a great story and WONDERFUL program! ANYTHING that gets kids to read, improves their reading and KEEPS them reading, is so important!

[Patty1231]

Okay, so can we put THIS one on the Home Page?? Nice find - great story! Someone was doing this up here around my neck of the woods but I can't remember the details, except that it was working nicely and really relaxed the children so they could then be comfortable reading!

[Brooke&Ryan]

What a wonderful article, Lisa. Thanks for posting it. I love it when I see such positive articles regarding our breed. It brought a smile to my face.


Brooke

[aquarius3079]

What a great idea and great PR for our breed!

[Staff's]

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/2004/July/02/LNlist4.htm

This lady and her Zoe have been working at this for two years now and the program is growing and working wonders with these children. Zoe is such a great example of the Rottweiler.

[blackandtan]

We started a program like this at our local library and we raised about $600 to buy books for the children so they could keep the books. Even a member from rottweiler.net sent in some money! It really is rewarding and the parents and children are so grateful. I have pictures and videos of it on our website. We are trying to get other libraries to adopt the program.

I would advise that if you are interesting in doing this kind of work that you get obtain your RTD certification and work with an therapy organization. These organizations usually provide liability insurance and this is a major concern for these places..especially with Rottweilers....especially with Rottweilers that do bitework.

The most rewarding story I have to share is a kid who was petrified of dogs. It took 15 minutes by us and his parents to agree to come into the room and read to the dog. Finally he did, but he would only sit in a chair away from the dog. If you look at our website or the videos on it, you will see all the other kids are on the floor right next to the dog. Not him, though!

In the photo section, on the site, you see a picture of him getting comfortable and actually petting the dog.

That was a cool feeling...encouraging the child to read, but also helping him overcome his fear of dogs, not to mention all of the parents who look at Rotts in a different light who were in attendance.

I also have some pictures of "crafts" the kids made for our dog to say "thank you" on the website. I wouldnt trade those crafts for piles of gold! They are absolutely adorable.

[SABELLESMOM]

I'm always so happy to hear such good things about dogs and caring people!

[mook1620]

I love hearing about the wonderful things that can happen between our rotties and kids! Great jobs to both Moose and Zoe!

[PuppyLove]

We have quite a few libraries included in our therapy dog group's route. We have a rottie that does very well with the kids' groups. See the web link for pictures of him at the library. www.teamvasko.com go to pictures and therapy dog (I have not met these folks. I believe they go on different days and locations then I do, but we all are part of the same email tree, but they forwarded us the pics, and the link so thought I would pass it on as well.)