Our Tail Waggin' Reading Buddies program is an opportunity to provide a comfortable and non-judgmental space for a child to read to a certified therapy dog. The purpose is to encourage the child's reading skills, confidence and love of reading.
Who can Participate?
Guests in grades K-6th are welcome to attend. Parents/guardians must remain at the Library but not necessarily in visual contact with their child. See the Library’s Unattended Child Policy for more information.
When are the Meetings?
This program meets monthly on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30pm and no registration is required. Please check our event calendar for more information about our upcoming programs.
Get to know the Certified Therapy Dogs that Visit our Library!
Bella (Maria - Handler)
As a family in 2007, we decided it would be great to have a hypoallergenic Portuguese Water Dog! We adopted Bella because she is playful, caring and smart! Our training through Therapy Dog International has led to many positive and rewarding R.E.A.D. Program experiences with hundreds of local students! Happy tails (tales) to all!
Helga (Fran - handler)
I have had Helga since she was 8 weeks old in 2009. I raise puppies for Canine Companions that provide fully trained service dogs free of charge to people with disabilities. Helga is my co-trainer who knows all the commands and the puppies all want to do what she does!
Trooper (Krystn - Handler)
Trooper joined our family in June of 2011. We had recently lost our 11 year old Golden Retriever and he really brightened everyone's spirits including Shadow who used to be a Reader Dog at the library also. When he was younger, Trooper participated in agility classes. Now that he is 10 1/2, he keeps active with Rally classes, two daily walks, swimming, and playing with our two year old Golden Retriever -River. Trooper is one of over 3,000 Golden Retrievers enrolled in the Morris Animal Foundation Golden Retriever Lifetime Study which is one of the largest, most comprehensive prospective canine health studies in the United States. The Study’s purpose is to identify the nutritional, environmental, lifestyle and genetic risk factors for cancer and other diseases in dogs. Trooper has been a therapy dog with Therapy Dogs International since 2013. He has made visits to Parkview Elementary, Northville High School, Catholic Central, New Hope Center for Grief Support as well as the Novi Library. He really missed his visits during the pandemic lockdown and is very eager to see everyone again!
Sherlock (Rajshree - handler)
Hi, my name is Sherlock and my mom’s name is Rajshree. I’m a Goldendoodle and I’m 8 years old. We are a registered Therapy Dog team with Therapy Dogs International. I am also a Canine Good Citizen and a certified Tail Waggin’ Tutor. I may be big but I’m a gentle giant with impeccable manners and I’m on my best behavior when working. I like long walks, long naps, balls of any kind, and most of all, love all two-leggeds, especially the little ones. My mission is very simple: To Make A Difference and Spread Smiles. I would be thrilled to meet you, so please come and visit with me, my mom, and my friends at my favorite reading place, the Novi Public Library. I look forward to a “paw-tastic” time reading with you.
Therapy Dogs International
For more information about the certified therapy dogs, please visit their website
