Children are invited to read to a canine friend as part of the PAWS for Reading program offered on the third Tuesday of the month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Parkesburg Free Library.

Patrons may sign up for a 15-minute session with a therapy dog provided by PAWS for People, a nonprofit organization based in Delaware.

During the most recent session, Linda Felty visited the library with her dog, Cookie. "(PAWS for People) asks us to volunteer, and they (make a schedule) of where they want us to go," said Felty. "We went to Barnes & Noble in Christiana, Del., to visit the shoppers, to a nursing home and a summer school program for children who are disabled in Garnet Valley. We also went to Lincoln University's Mental Health Day. (Cookie) gave love to the students, and they enjoyed giving her some treats."

Felty noted that PAWS for People dogs also visit prisons, hospitals and cancer centers. "They love it when we bring the dogs. They like to be able to pet on them," said Felty. "(Cookie) is so funny. After a while, she will get comfortable, and she will roll over so people can rub her belly."

Children who may be uncomfortable reading aloud or those who are struggling with reading are encouraged to read to a therapy dog. "Sometimes they get nervous because she is a big dog, but when she sits down, they are calm," Felty said.

Felty, who works as an elementary school counselor in Harford County Public Schools in Maryland, adopted Cookie with hopes to someday bring her to school. "I wanted a Labradoodle because they are so great about being therapy dogs. They have the personality for it," she said. "It took us about a year and half to go through the classes. I did get trained to go to a library, and there are certain things they tell us like to bring a blanket for her to lay on and to take some books with us. They have special training if you are going to the cancer center. When we went to a school, we sat in a circle, and the kids thought it was wonderful."

She noted that PAWS for People provides therapy cats, dogs and rabbits. "We go to Jenner's Pond (Retirement Community), and they have a magnetic paw above the door, so you know who is willing to have us come in," Felty explained. "I was there one day, and they had a therapy mini pony. He walked around, and people were so excited."

She said the use of therapy animals has proven effective in many cases. "I read a story about a child who lived through a school shooting and had not spoken since the event," she shared. "The local firehouse opened up for therapy dogs to come in for the kids. The parents took their son, and he laid down (with) the dog and told the dog everything."

At the Parkesburg Library, a youngster, despite her initial reluctance, was able to read comfortably with Cookie. "Her grandmom said she doesn't read out loud and is very nervous (about reading). (Dogs) are nonjudgmental, so she did a fabulous job," said Felty.

Parkesburg Free Library is located at 105 West St., Parkesburg. For more information about library activities, visit http://www.parkesburglibrary.org or search for "Parkesburg Free Library" on Facebook.