Peanut Butter Peace

Dog with kids in library

Another rainy Monday morning started with the potential for setback in our ascent to Therapy Animal superstardom, or even Therapy Animal suitability, but my slightly-damp dog eventually dried up and quieted down to hang out with the 11 young readers, who came out to Reading with Rowdy at the Maple Lake Library.

We began with something less that our best behavior today, navigating a few rough patches of vigorous back-scratching and insistent paw offerings, but once rambunctious Rowdy found his Good Dog gear, he settled in and chilled out.

It’s possible we benefitted from the plot of our children’s chapter book, which revolved around some missing peanut butter treats. Hearing the name of one of his many favorite snacks may have lulled the happy hooligan into a dreamy state of Skippy slumber.

Following our story and mystery message activity, the readers had an opportunity to practice proper greeting behavior with Rowdy, who was very happy to cooperate and (mostly) calmly accept several scratches under the ear.

Every week gets a little bit better, and next week we’ll face a whole new challenge when take a short break from our “Figure It Out” theme to join with the pre-schoolers story-time group for some Independence Day activities, including the annual 4^th of July Parade around the block. No fireworks or marching bands, but lots of red, white and blue, many children waving flags, several local merchants waving hands, and one golden retriever, excited to lead the festivities.

With a peanut butter chaser.

Dog dreaming

Putting the Pieces Together

The weather calmed, and so did Rowdy, for our second week of the summer program at the Maple Lake Library.

Dog listening to reader

My convivial canine greeted 11 young readers this morning. Well, greeted as in sat calmly, watching children enter the library, without whining or wheedling to worm his way closer.

As a bonus to our story and game time, we talked a bit about how to safely approach a dog, even a too-friendly type like Rowdy. Those who wanted, took some time after the story to practice their dog interaction skills, waiting until he was sitting quietly, and then petting the pooch on his favorite just-under-the-ear spot. It may have been Rowdy’s favorite part of the morning, and possibly a light-bulb moment his library career.

Dog watching children

It is definitely progress and he seems to be catching on to his role in this work. He only rolled over to scratch his back with great gusto twice this week, and only tried to park his posterior in my lap once.

That’s progress my friends.

So we will continue to practice a lot and pray a little and trust the process.

And figure it out.

And so We Begin

Dog in library

This morning brought rain and readers to the Maple Lake Library, for the inaugural gathering of Reading with Rowdy.

Seven young book enthusiasts dodged the drops to meet the Happy Hooligan, take turns reading aloud from a short chapter book, then solve some word and picture puzzles.

Reading with Rowdy replaces the popular Books with Boone summer program, as an effort to encourage students to enjoy some summer reading time. The retirement last fall of Boone, the big brindle greyhound, leaves some pretty big paw prints for roommate Rowdy to fill, but he’s up to the task.

Maybe a little too up, but let’s think positive.

There is hope. Apparently, rowdy Rowdy paid some attention to my session-starting conversation with the kids, as by the end of our hour, he seemed to have figured out his part in this program.

Dog with children at library