Devon the library dog

Tonight was Devon's first official night as the Library Dog. I thought it was a big success, and I'm very happy we spent time preparing Devon for her new "job."

Last week we had a "dry run" with some volunteer children. I was very glad for this rehearsal, because while Devon really enjoyed the children, she wasn't quite sure what to do when they settled down to read. She fidgeted and even volunteered several behaviors (it shouldn't surprise anyone she was foot smacking the chair legs). 

To Devon's credit, she also had quite an audience for her practice session. A reporter from the local paper came to do a preview story. She was wonderful and took lots of photos, as did Chrissy who is in charge of the children's programs for the library. Devon loved to mug for the camera! Finally, by the third child, Devon either got the idea or she was so tired she ran out of things to wiggle about. 

This practice session prepared Devon for what to expect this week. Chrissy had a great activity for the kids while they were waiting. They made picture frames out of colored paper, and she took a photo of each child with Devon. Chrissy realized that Devon notices everything in her environment, so we decided to take the photos before the kids started reading so Devon could focus on the children. The photo allowed the kids to meet Devon, get comfortable with her, then set about choosing a book and reading.

Last week, the story of the library's new program ran on the front page of the paper with the photo here on the blog. Zoe and Janet Ripley also attended the practice session and had their photo in the paper; unfortunately they couldn't be at the sessions this week. 

With the added publicity, I wondered if we'd be swamped with kids. As I pulled up to the library, every side of the street was full of cars, as was the bank parking lot next door. I really hoped this wasn't for our program! I got Devon out of the car, gave her a toy to carry and we were off to the library. Devon was very excited and trotted with purpose and a wagging tail right to the door!

As Devon trotted downstairs to the children's area, I heard cries of, "She's here! It's her, the library dog!"Devon was in her glory! She was surrounded by kids and adults all wanting to pet her. She talked and wagged her tail and leaned into each one of them. One eager boy threw his arms around her and give her a big hug, which she promptly returned!

Once her adoring fans were greeted, we moved into our room and got settled with her blanket. Over the PA system, they announced that the library's therapy dog was in the building and was starting to listen to children read. I have to admit I got a little misty when that happened. And then they came, one by one, to sit and read to Devon.

Devon was a trooper tonight. We allowed each child 10 minutes of reading time. Some kids got through their books quickly and wanted to play with Devon. Others wanted to chat about their pets or ask questions about Devon. One boy told me the story of how his father came to the United States from Honduras. Even though he told me he didn't read well, he was actually one of the better readers. Another boy brought his own book to read and petted Devon's head as he read.

After getting through her fidgets for the first 2-3 kids, Devon did very well. I started having some of the kids throw her toy if they wanted, and this was a good idea. She got the hang of returning it to them (and not me or their parents). She was very gentile and gave the toy on command and never jumped on the kids. After about 5 kids, we took a break and got her outside and let her potty. The fresh air was good and she did the rest of the evening without any more breaks. 

After 90 solid minutes, the last child came through. I lost count, but I think she saw 12-15 children. She ended the evening with a long belly rub from one of the volunteers. We called it her massage/spa treatment after her long session of volunteering.

I'm really proud of this girl. She did a fantastic job in her first official therapy dog role. I can't wait to see what Saturday holds, but I know she's going to be great!