“As I was setting up for our PAWS for Reading session, a family of faithful readers came in with more family members than usual. The aunt, who hadn’t been in for more than a year, and her new husband came along. The aunt asked, ‘Would it be all right if my husband reads to the dogs tonight? He has a TBI (traumatic brain injury) from his service as a Marine in Afghanistan. His self-esteem is low because his speech is halting and he often struggles for words, and reads slowly. I thought this might help him.’ She also mentioned that he is often called ‘stupid.’ ‘Of course’ I said. ‘This is exactly PAWS’ mission.’
“When her husband came over, I reassured him that the dogs would love to have him read to them, he could read with as many teams as there was time for, and his wife or nieces could join him. His smile was wonderful! Well, he and his wife came in together and he read a book of opposites that he had brought with him, as he was comfortable with it. At the end of their session, as their nieces were happily reading to other dogs, he came out to the lobby with an even greater smile!
“I asked him what he thought and he said, ‘That was fun!’ I then asked if he would like to come back and without hesitation he said, ‘Yes, may I sign up for every session?’
“Thank you, thank you for all that PAWS does!”
– Librarian