reading dog

On Friday afternoon, I spent so many hours at the library that I was still there when Joe E the reading dog arrived. At 2:00, I asked the librarian if the dog was coming that day (and if she wanted to go on vacation with me to swim with the dolphins - which, for a boy like me, is almost as exciting as being at the library). 3:30. So we made the big commitment to wait. and wait. and wait. Then I asked my mom every single minute that passed if the dog was there yet. Luckily, he arrived at 3:28.

Meeting the dog had been on my list of things to do for months but my schedule is often so full with picnics, lunch dates, or bike riding that the timing was just never quite right.

While the reading dog program is generally for children who read below level, I read way above level (remember, I am only 4!) but I am still a beginner. Joe E listened patiently as I read a book. Maybe he was a bit sleepy. He let me cuddle with him and he was so soft and freshly bathed. Because I get tired when I read aloud and I had the dog and his owner all to myself, I picked out book after book to have read to me once I finished my story.

I even told Joe E my favorite joke:
What do dogs eat for dessert?
pupcakes