Okaloosa and Walton County students have new opportunities to build reading confidence this summer through Dog-Harmony’s animal-assisted literacy program, Paws and Pages, offered at four public libraries in Niceville, Fort Walton Beach, Crestview and Freeport.

The program pairs children with registered therapy dog teams trained through READing Paws, an affiliate of R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dogs), which Dog-Harmony describes as the nation’s first comprehensive animal-assisted literacy program. Sessions are held monthly at each branch and are open to children of all reading levels.

• “Paws and Pages is about more than just books — it’s about the connection between the child and the dog that opens the door to a lifelong love of reading,” said Nancy Bown, founder of Dog-Harmony. “We see children who were once hesitant to read aloud suddenly blossom when they have a dog by their side.”

According to research cited by the organization, four dimensions must be present to encourage children to read: a sense of self-efficacy, motivation, perception of reading as a social activity, and a calm environment. Dogs are non-judgmental, social animals whose presence can reduce stress and anxiety. In a reading context, READing Paws therapy dogs provide children with added encouragement, confidence and joy that extends beyond the library.

A local teacher said one of her student’s participation in the READing Paws program this past year improved his confidence and reading skills. “His state testing score went up a level, and I believe reading with a dog helped him achieve this goal!” she said. “The help they gave him in building a good reading foundation and raising his reading confidence will be with him throughout his education!”

Sessions follow a rotating monthly schedule. The Niceville Public Library hosts sessions every first Saturday morning, the Crestview Public Library every second Saturday morning, and the Fort Walton Beach Library every third Saturday morning. The Freeport Public Library hosts sessions every first and third Wednesday afternoon.

Dog-Harmony plans to introduce Paws and Pages programs at Walton-Defuniak Library and Coastal Branch Library by the Fall. Families must register for individual reading time slots directly with the library of their choice.

More information about the program and participating libraries is available at their website.