Therapy dogs are becoming a welcome—and increasingly familiar—presence in educational spaces, offering comfort, confidence and a calm environment for students navigating academic pressures. One local volunteer is helping bring that sense of ease to children through a unique reading program that pairs young readers with attentive, nonjudgmental listeners.
A Calm Presence in a Busy World
Mindy Levine, a longtime resident of the Bridle Path community in Simi Valley, has spent the past 20 years as a certified therapy dog handler. For the past several years, she has volunteered at the Thousand Oaks Library, where she participates in the beloved “Dog Days” program, a weekly event that invites children to read aloud to therapy dogs.
Mindy works alongside her two Golden Retrievers, Jesse James and Annie Oakley, both certified therapy dogs through the nonprofit organization Love on a Leash. Founded in 1984, Love on a Leash is a national organization committed to providing volunteer pet therapy services that promote comfort, happiness and emotional support. The organization carefully evaluates both dogs and handlers to ensure they meet high standards of temperament, obedience and reliability, creating trusted teams that can safely interact with people of all ages.
Through its extensive network of volunteers, Love on a Leash facilitates visits to hospitals, schools, libraries, rehabilitation centers and senior living communities. These visits are designed to enhance emotional well-being, reduce stress and foster meaningful human-animal connections. Handlers like Mindy donate their time and energy, often forming lasting bonds with the communities they serve. For many participants, these therapy visits become something to look forward to—a consistent source of comfort and joy in environments that can otherwise feel overwhelming.
How Dog Days Works
Each Tuesday afternoon, anticipation builds well before the program begins. Children begin lining up prior to 3:30 p.m. to secure a spot. After signing in, they receive a name tag and eagerly await their turn to choose which dog they will read to. Each child is given approximately 10 minutes with their selected canine companion. For many, that time becomes the highlight of their week.
If a child wishes to read to another dog, the process is simple—they step out, sign up again and rejoin the line. The program typically features eight to 10 therapy dogs each session, including Golden Retrievers, Labradors, a Bernadoodle and even Lulu, a striking standard Poodle who has become a favorite among returning readers.
Building Confidence Through Connection
What makes Dog Days so impactful is its welcoming and pressure-free environment. Children of all ages participate, from toddlers accompanied by parents to teens seeking a quiet moment of connection. Regardless of reading level, every child is met with patience and encouragement—without correction, criticism or expectation.
“Dogs have a special sense of understanding and empathy,” Mindy explains. “The reader has the undivided attention of an outstanding listener.”
That unconditional attention can make a significant difference, especially for children who may feel self-conscious about reading aloud in a classroom setting. In contrast, therapy dogs offer gentle companionship, often responding with a wagging tail, a nuzzle or even an affectionate lick—small gestures that help put young readers at ease.
The result is more than just improved reading skills. Programs like Dog Days help foster confidence, build positive associations with literacy and create a safe space where children feel supported. Many participants return week after week, forming bonds not only with the dogs but with the experience itself.
A Rewarding Experience for All
Mindy has seen firsthand how transformative these moments can be. As a volunteer, she describes the program as deeply rewarding—for the children, the dogs and the handlers alike.
“To watch the kids engage with the pups, laugh, giggle and enjoy literature is so rewarding,” she says.
For Mindy, the experience is also personal.
“It feeds my teacher soul,” she shares, reflecting on the joy she finds in helping children grow more comfortable and confident as readers.
As students prepare to head back to school—or adjust to the demands of a new academic year—programs like Dog Days offer an important reminder: Learning does not have to be stressful to be effective. Sometimes, all it takes is a good book, a quiet corner and a patient, furry friend.
In a world where academic pressures can begin at an early age, therapy dogs provide something simple yet powerful—a sense of calm, acceptance and encouragement. And for the children who gather each week at the Thousand Oaks Library, that support may be exactly what they need to turn the page with confidence.
Programs like Dog Days offer an important reminder: Learning does not have to be stressful to be effective. Sometimes, all it takes is a good book, a quiet corner and a patient, furry friend.