Chloe's Tales at Berry Elementary

Canine Reading Ambassador Chloe with her reading student

Chloe's Tales has had a wonderful new year semester working with one-on-one weekly reading sessions at Berry Elementary.  Chloe & I have been working with many of the same third grade students we had sessions with last Fall and have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the progress they have made, despite having about a month-and-a- half break due to my travels and their school schedule the past months.  Look forward to continuing our work as the semester progresses.

Chloe enjoyed learning about India during Berry's culture day

Chloe's Tales Library Event, Harmony Endeavor

C*R*A* Serenity with her reading student

On Tuesday, February 12th, I had the great opportunity to work with Harmony Endeavor Elementary with the Chloe's Tales program for a wonderful library event.  Julie Cambell, the school librarian, worked with Canine Reading Ambassador (C*R*A*) Chloe while I worked with C*R*A* Serenity to provide one-on-one reading sessions for a number of students ranging from K through 7th grade.  Some of the participating students had worked with us before and some were new to the program.  Each student were able to choose their book appropriate for their level, then a chance to give their participating C*R*A*  a special treat along with receiving a cute puppy sticker. All had a wonderful literary and canine experience and we look forward to our next upcoming event at their campus.  Thanks, Julie, for not only opening up your school and library for this program, but for being such an engaging volunteer.  Chloe loved all the love and attention she received from you and the students, as the photos well show!

Julie Campell and C*R*A* Chloe with their reading student

How to Love Your Dog--from Doggone Safe

Touch Your Dog

*Invite your dog to come to you for attention.  If your dog turns away or moves away, respect his wishes and leave him alone.  Many dogs like to be near you, but not necessarily to be touched.

*Scratch your dog on the side of the neck or on his chest.

*Avoid hugs and kisses.  People enjoy this, but most dogs don't like hugs and kisses.  They might tolerate it, but few actually enjoy it {although Chloe is one of those dogs that treasures hugs and kisses}.

*Invite your dog to sit with you while you read or watch tv.  Let him lean on you or put his head on your lap on his terms {Chloe adores it when kids lie on her during their reading sessions}.

*Some dogs enjoy a scratch behind the ears.  Most dogs don't enjoy hands coming down on the top of their heads.

*Pet your dog and then stop.  If he tries to get you to continue then you will know he likes it.

Play With Your Dog

*Play games like fetch and hide and seek that do not involve chasing or rough play.

*Take your dog for lots of walks.

Understand Your Dog

*Learn to read dog body language so that you can understand what your dog is trying to tell you.

*A happy dog pants and wags his tail loosely.  He may wag all over {Chloe is notorious for the whole body wag}.

*An anxious dog might show a half moon of white in his eye or he may lick his lips or yawn.  He may turn his head away or walk away.  He wants to be left alone.

*A dog that suddenly goes stiff and still is very dangerous and might be ready to bite.

*A dog with his mouth closed and ears forward and/or with his tail held high is busy thinking about something and does not want to be bothered.

Reward Your Dog

*Look for things your dog does right and give him a treat or praise, petting or play.  Never hit or yell at your dog.

*Give your dog a stuffed Kong or other long lasting chew treat to enjoy while he lies on a mat or in a crate.

Read more about dog bite prevention at www.doggonesafe.com

Chloe's Tales at Gardens Elementary, Pasadena

Canine Reading Ambassador Chloe with her literary partner

 Chloe's Tales had a wonderful library event at Gardens Elementary in Pasadena Wednesday, February 6.  About 20 students participated for one-on-one reading sessions ranging from 1st to 4th grade with 2 teams--Chloe & I, along with Canine Reading Ambassador Henry and his owner Jeff.  Each student had an opportunity for a meet-and-greet with their designated team, a reading time with a book of their choice, and a puppy sticker to end their session as well as a chance to give their canine ambassador a special treat (yes, just adding more "padding" to the pups, but they paid no mind!).  A good time was had by all, despite having to drive in the rainy weather (neither Henry nor Chloe were too keen on that, but once they saw the students ready for their arrival, the gloomy weather was quickly forgotten)!

Library events for Chloe's Tales can take place as a once-a-month event, quarterly, or otherwise.  If interested, please contact me on my facebook page or email.

Team Jeff and Canine Reading Ambassador Henry with their reading partner

Chloe's Tales, Browning & Berry Elementary

Chloe & Leah

Chloe & Julian

Chloe & I launched our new canine reading therapy program on Monday, January 28, at Browning Elementary School in Houston.  We will work as a team with 8 third grade students every Monday for the Spring Semester.  Thanks to the helpful selection by third grade teachers--Ms. Crow, Ms. Doans, and Ms. Steury--Chloe and I will provide a private and comfortable environment for students to read at their own pace free from criticism.  Many of the students involved this semester are the same as those we worked with during the Fall term under a different name, and have already see them grow in their literary self esteem. 

Chloe & Destiny

We also started back at Berry Elementary in Houston on Friday, February 1, working with the same third grade students as we did during the Fall semester.  Our sessions will continue weekly, adding Thursdays this week, and am looking forward to experiencing continual literary growth in the 8 students involved.  It has been truly amazing to see how the simple gentle presence of Chloe takes down so many barriers and brings forth confidence and joy in these treasured students.

Critters Care at Browning, December 2012

In late December, 2012, I had the wonderful opportunity to launch my new Critters Care program to a 4th grade class at Browning Elementary in Houston.  Ms. Stern, the class teacher, was kind enough to bring in one of her gentle felines, Snowball, for a special Christmas story time session--"Dewey's Christmas at the Library".  Dewey is the true story of a very special kitten that was discovered by Librarian Vicki Myron when it was abandoned in the Spencer Library return box.  She lovingly nursed him back to health, deciding then and there that he would be their library cat, while giving him the most appropriate name--Dewey Readmore Books.  In this holiday story children learn about his antics with the library Christmas tree and how his special "decorating" techniques led to it winning a local holiday contest!

Many of the students have seen me and my therapy dog, Chloe, visit their campus for canine educational presentations, but this was their first opportunity to experience a visiting cat.  After the story session, students paired off to compose a letter to "Chloe Clause" asking what they, from the perspective of a feline, would like for Christmas.  The session ended with volunteering students relating their letters to the class.  It was a great success and wonderful way to ring in the holiday season with a humane flavor!