The Reading Dog

Journal

The dog didn't judge. That's why the boy could read.

Leo was eight and terrified of reading out loud. Every time the teacher called on him, his voice disappeared.

Then the school got a reading dog. A golden retriever named Maple. Every Thursday, kids could read to him.

Leo didn't want to go. But Maple put his head on Leo's lap, and Leo started reading. Quietly. Then a little louder. Maple didn't correct him once.

By the third Thursday, Leo was reading whole pages. Maple snored through the boring parts. Leo didn't mind.

Two months later, the teacher called on Leo. He stood up. And read. His voice didn't disappear. It filled the room.

Leo still reads to Maple every Thursday. He says Maple is the best listener in the whole school. Maple agrees. He never interrupts.

Some teachers use books. Some use patience. This one uses a golden retriever. It works.