Village Library offers Tail Waggin' Tutors program

As part of the Tail Waggin' Tutors program, children are invited to practice their reading skills with Babes, a certified therapy dog available at the Village Library of Morgantown.

Babes, 6, is a sheepadoodle, which is a combination of a sheep dog and a poodle. She is accompanied to the library by her handlers, Stephen and Diana Richards of Exeter.

Babes, who has been a therapy dog for just over a year, visited the library for the first time in July. She and her handlers also visit local nursing homes.

"We talked about getting a dog, and I said that no matter what kind we get, I wanted her trained to be a therapy dog," said Diana. "We took her to Awesome Dawgs in Reading, and she became certified with Therapy Dogs International."

Stephen noted that Babes has especially been a source of joy for nursing home residents. "She is really good with the older folks. When we see people that have (memory issues), they light up and remember her and she remembers them," he stated. "We see a guy who can be a little grouchy, but when he sees her, his whole demeanor changes. (Visiting with Babes) affects them in a positive way."

The Richardses noted that they actually met Babes while on a meet-and-greet with another dog. "We were looking at a different dog named Monkey. We had been in communication with a dog foster with Home at Last dog rescue," Diana explained. "Our son and I were on the ground with the other dog, and (Babes) comes walking in between us and the other dog and put her head on my son's chest. She picked (us). She came home with us that day."

"I wasn't the one trying to get a dog. My wife and my son, John, really wanted a dog," Stephen added. "She came home, and I ended up being her person. I have a T-shirt that Diane bought for me that says, 'Emotional support human.' That's my job."

Those who visit with Babes at the library will receive her business card, which states that her job is to "alleviate stress and enhance the well-being" of those who come in contact with her. This makes her the ideal dog for children to read to, especially those who are uncomfortable reading aloud or those who are struggling with reading.

According to Therapy Dogs International, by sitting down next to a dog and reading to the animal, children are able to relax and put their fears aside. "She is not judgmental," said Diana.

Babes generally is on hand at the Village Library, 207 N. Walnut St., Morgantown, every other Saturday. To learn the date of Babes' next scheduled visit and to register for a time slot to read to her, call 610-286-1022 or email smolibrary@gmail.com.