If you're a human and you have a dog, who loves to get out and be around kids, then Literacy for Life is looking for you!

A new screening session has been set up for Literacy for Life's program Dog Tales, where young hesitant readers gain confidence and skill by reading aloud to a furry companion.

On Oct. 5th, canine behavior specialist with P.A.L.S, Tubby Miller will be checking out and auditioning new volunteers for the next round of Dog Tales programming in local libraries and schools.

Bonnie Chant-Kinsman with Literacy For Life says he basically spends time petting and playing with the animal and interviewing the owner to determine whether or not the dogs personality is suitable for the program.

"He runs his hands up and down the dogs body and interviews the owner on how the dog is with children, he'll then make that judgement whether or not that is an appropriate dog."

Phase two of the auditions involves a young Dog Tales reading participant, who will read the dogs a short story to see if they get bored too quickly.

"There are some very basic requirements" says Chant-Kinsman, "All the volunteers will need and RCMP background and security check done, and the dogs have to have up to date rabies vaccinations.  The volunteers that want to be part of the dog tales program will become volunteers for literacy for life, and they will go through the same screening process."

The Dog Tales program takes place in local schools and in local libraries in towns like Okotoks, High River, Blackie, Turner Valley and Longview and Chant-Kinsman says they've been achieving great success.

"We have incredible success stories with kids who don't enjoy reading at all or don't enjoy reading out loud. It doesn't take long before they realize the dog isn't going to judge them and once they understand there's no judgement, the dog is never going to correct them, then sometimes it gives them confidence they don't have enough of."

If you think your dog has what it takes to be just playful, or sleepy enough to encourage a love for reading in youth, then you can bring them out for the next round of testing. 

To register your dog for the Oct. 5th  auditions you can call (403) 617- 8811 or email b.chant-kinsman@litforlife.com.

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