Story Time at Boone Area Library on July 21 was all about dogs as children heard canine-related stories and had an opportunity to visit with Pfiona, a therapy dog, and her handler Wendy Pfluglar.

Pfiona is a 3-year-old Brittany, which is a type of spaniel known for bird hunting. She is also Farm Dog Certified, has won medals in dog shows and is a trained tracking dog. "Because they are bird dogs and because she likes to hunt, we had to give her a job," said Pfluglar. "She has many 'jobs,' but we started off with obedience (training)."

Pfluglar told the children that therapy dogs must be friendly and calm, noting that Pfiona is certified through Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs based in New Jersey.

"You want the dog to be sound around people and around other dogs," she explained. "They also have to be around (people using) wheelchairs, crutches and walkers. (Therapy dogs) can be alert, but they can't start jumping."

As a librarian and media specialist in the Spring-Ford Area School District, Pfluglar takes Pfiona to many school functions, including football games and other sporting events. She has also taken Pfiona to meet with hospital patients and to visit Amity Place, a senior living community in Douglassville. "They do take to her because she is a smaller size," she noted. "I think a lot of older people have had this breed because they are hunting dogs."

Children were able to visit with and pet Pfiona. "When you go up to a dog, you don't go and put your hand right in their face," Pfluglar told the children. "You pet her on her side."

Children also heard two stories read by Amber Hamel, the library's youth program coordinator - "Hot Dog" by Doug Salati and "Dogs" by Emily Gravett - and they completed a dog puppet-making craft.

Miss Amber's Story Time is held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. The program is designed for children up to age 5, but youngsters of all ages are welcome. No registration is required.

In addition to story time, Hamel oversees Helping Hands Bingo, which is open to youngsters and senior citizens. Helping Hands Bingo takes place on the first Friday of each month from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m.

The Boone Area Library is located at 129 N. Mill St., Birdsboro. For more information about library programming, visit www.facebook.com/boonearealibrary or www.berkslibraries.org/branch/boone. Those with questions my email Hamel at youthlibrarian@boonelibrary.org.