Therapy Dogs visit the Darling Library

Therapy dogs have been invited to visit the Darling Library during finals week. The purpose is to provide stress relief for our students. Therapy dogs are not the same as service dogs that specifically trained to help people who have disabilities.

Therapy Dogs International (TDI®) is a volunteer organization dedicated to regulating, testing and registration of therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers for the purpose of visiting nursing homes, hospitals, other institutions and wherever else therapy dogs are needed.

Many types of libraries have employed their services. Their Children Reading to Dogs program provides a unique opportunity for reluctant readers to read aloud to a non-judgemental dog, reportedly improving reading skills, self-esteem, and relaxation with animals.

Image from Ephrata Public Library

Academic libraries have found their services to be especially popular with students during finals week. Check out the story about therapy dogs visiting the UC Santa Cruz library  (Be sure to click on their Facebook and Instagram links to see how much students enjoyed the experience.)

Several different TDI volunteers have been scheduled to bring their dogs for one to two hour sessions twice a day Monday through Thursday during finals week.

Schedule:

Monday, May 11

• 9:00AM - Sadie (Black Cocker Spaniel)
• 11:00AM - Moshi (Akita)

Tuesday, May 12

• 9:30AM - Sparkles (Blonde Terrier)
• 1:00PM - Toby (Golden Labrador Retriever)

Wednesday, May 13

• 9:00AM - Zhi (Black Labrador Retriever)
• 12:00PM - Bentley & Chevelle (German Pinschers) and Sophie (Black Labrador Retriever)

Thursday, May 14

• 9:30AM - Sparkles (Terrier)
• 12:00PM - Bentley, Chevelle, and Billy (German Pinschers) and Sophie (Black Labrador Retriever)

Come by for some puppy love!