Lounging on a lime green blanket at Minnewashta Elementary, 5-year-old golden retriever Willow could be one of the best reading buddies a child could have.
She listens intently, doesn't interrupt and doesn't judge when a child struggles with a difficult word.
Willow and her owner, Jennifer Hicks, are part of the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (READ) program in the Minnetonka School District. The program allows children who struggle with reading to read aloud to a therapy dog to improve their skills.
READ started 10 years ago in Salt Lake City and has since spread to 49 states, Canada, Europe and Asia. In honor of the program's 10th anniversary, Congress declared Nov. 14 "National READ Day."
The READ program came to Minnewashta in May after Willow and Hicks, a part-time music teacher at the school, became a registered therapy dog team.
After that, they went through more training to become a READ team.
Now, Willow comes to school a couple times week and works with students in the mornings.
A good therapy dog is gentle, can remain calm and can adapt to different situations, Hicks said. Willow has been trained to stay relaxed in crowded hallways where loud noises and curious children are in abundance.
"We teach the kids that when Willow wears her bandana, she's working, and they can't pet her. They've learned they just have to wave at her in the hallway," she said.
In READ training, Hicks learned how to conduct a successful reading session and how to make reading fun. Willow learned to be comfortable around many children and to look at pictures.
Last week, Monica Slayton, 6, and Jacob Aagaard, 7, made sure to show Willow the pictures in their books during their morning reading session. Slayton said she thinks the pictures keep Willow happy.
The program offers many benefits to those who participate, Hicks said. Fluency and comprehension increase as a child grows more comfortable with reading.
Every night before Hicks brings Willow to school, Hicks grooms Willow at her at-home "doggy salon." She combs Willow to reduce shedding, bathes her with a dander-reducing shampoo, clips her nails and cleans her teeth.
The impeccable hygiene routine also benefits the students, Hicks said.
"Research has shown [kids who read with READ dogs] have better hygiene. They want to look nice for Willow," she said.
Hicks is prepared for a variety of situations that might arise while they are working. A rolling suitcase includes extra books, dander wipes, a towel and a blanket.
"She travels, but not lightly," Hicks said.
Michelle Zilmer, the reading specialist at Minnewashta, said the students who read to Willow are reluctant readers.
"These happen to be the kids ... who have the skills and just need to practice and build confidence," Zilmer said.
"Their parents have been really, really supportive," Hicks said.
Abby Pike-Nobile, 9, said she did not enjoy reading in the past. Since she started reading with Willow, though, her attitude toward reading has changed.
"I read with my parents every night," she said.
Zilmer said reading to Willow allows students to practice reading before they work on specific skills with her.
"Even if the words aren't totally right, they just get to practice," Zilmer said.
The changes Hicks has seen even in one session are amazing, she said. While volunteering at a library last summer, one girl began the session keeping her distance from Willow. By the end, Hicks and Willow had trouble leaving because the girl didn't want to let Willow go.
Molly Brannon, 9, said she looks forward to reading with Willow.
"She relaxes and listens and doesn't roll her eyes like my brother," she said.
