With one ear perked up and the other flopped down, Eoin the therapy dog attentively listens to children read aloud—so long as the book does not revolve around cats.
Since last summer, the Read With Eoin program at the Madeira Branch of the Cincinnati Public Library offers children a chance to practice their reading skills in a nonjudgmental and fun way: by reading to a furry friend.
“Each week is a little different,” says Madeira Library Youth Services supervisor Amanda Seifert. “Our staff may kick off the event with a book or two, but primarily we encourage families to come up and read together with Eoin.”
As kids take turns reading to Eoin either aloud or silently, they can pet and cuddle with the collie, making the experience all the more appealing. One of the library’s early literacy goals is making sure that kids are enthusiastic about reading while also gaining confidence to continue on a path of lifelong reading.
“It gives [children] the time and space to practice reading aloud to others and also to interact with animals, both of which could be intimidating for many kids,” notes Amanda. “Seeing kids gain confidence, pride and joy in reading is the most rewarding thing about any event.”
Through his fluffy nature and calm demeanor, Eoin provides the perfect welcoming space where young readers can feel free to read without fear of judgment, as Eoin is happy to listen and provide support to those who visit him.
Eoin’s journey as a therapy dog all started after his first few lessons of obedience training. As he and his handler, Ken Wegenhart, were visiting their local church, they stopped by the preschool where they encountered a young boy who had been identified to have special needs.
“The kid is grabbing Eoin around the neck, pulling on him just giggling away and having the best time,” says Ken. “Eoin was just so calm, so gentle; he knew that he had to treat this child differently.”
This interaction that displayed Eoin’s intuitive skill inspired Ken to certify Eoin as a therapy dog through Canines for Christ of Southwest Ohio, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support to those who need it through therapy dogs.
Outside of spending time with the visitors and staff at the Madeira Library, Eoin takes trips to nursing homes, hospitals and schools to spread joy—and a little bit of fur.
Ken notes that Eoin has a special kind of intuition that allows him to connect with people, especially children, when they need it.
“Eoin usually surrounds everybody, but on one visit to a school, he sat there with this teenage boy for well over a minute; he sat there, let this boy pet him and didn't move,” recalls Ken. “When he finally moved on, this boy came over to me and said, ‘I've been having a really bad day, and that dog knew it.’”
Although it takes some children at the library more time to warm up to Eoin, they often end up getting more and more comfortable with him until they are side-by-side with the 3-year-old collie with a book on their lap.
“Eoin’s nonjudgmental presence helps reduce anxiety and encourages participation from kids who may experience low confidence in their reading skills, while also providing a unique and exciting opportunity for our youngest readers,” says Amanda. “This is how the library makes reading approachable—meeting kids where they are and removing barriers so they can succeed.”
The special bond between Eoin and the kids at the library grows as the readers grow in confidence and social skills. Whether children are reading him a book, putting on a puppet show for him or calmly petting his white fur, Eoin’s tail wags as he fosters an environment for children to be creative, to be independent and to love reading.
“[The event] is a clear example of how the library supports families by creating a welcoming, judgment-free space where kids can learn, connect and grow at their own pace,” says Amanda. “And, it provides space for kids to socialize with other kids without any expectations being placed on them, allowing for organic interactions and learning opportunities.”
The Read With Eoin program meets at the Madeira Branch of the Cincinnati Public Library each Thursday, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Cincinnati Public Library, Madeira Branch | 7200 Miami Avenue, Cincinnati | 513.369.6028 | madeira@chpl.org | CHPL.org/locations/ma/