April 18, 2018

Children’s book to raise awareness on the impact of therapy animals in early education

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — “Moose! The Reading Dog,” which tells the real-life story of a specialized therapy dog that helps children overcome learning challenges pertaining to reading, was published by the Purdue University Press in March.

The book is co-authored by Laura Bruneau and Beverly Timmons.

The book highlights the positive impact of dogs like Moose on children learning to read. Many students are insecure about reading, but having a registered therapy dog to read aloud to makes them feel calm. Therapy animals are non-judgmental and help increase the students’ desire to read.

“Moose, by his canine nature, draws kids of all reading levels,” said Becky Steenburg, the children’s librarian at Alamosa (Colorado) Public Library. “There is a such a sense of joy and wonder that transcends the work of reading. Each child seems to feel as though it is only they who give something special to Moose, and they don't mind taking turns with other children.”

Moose, and his owner, Bruneau, have been providing animal-assisted interventions in Alamosa, Colorado since registering with Pet Partners in 2011. Bruneau has co-authored several publications pertaining to animal-assisted interventions in counseling, making this book near to her heart. Bruneau is a professor at Adams State University in the Department of Counselor Education.

Timmons is a professor emeritus at Kent State University in the Department of Teaching, Curriculum and Leadership Studies. Timmons adds her expertise about reading, which comes from her experience in developing balanced, effective literacy programs for children and teachers.

“Moose! The Reading Dog” is available to purchase from the Purdue University Press website for $12.99 and through all major booksellers.

Source: Bryan Shaffer, interim co-director of the Purdue Press, 765-494-8428, bshaffer@purdue.edu

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