Library event encourages kids to read
Members of the Butler Dog Training Association unleashed Christmas cheer on Saturday at the Butler Public Library.
The first event that thrilled children in attendance and their parents was Paws to Read a Tale, in which youngsters selected a book from a cart and chose an available dog to read to.
About 20 dogs of all sizes and breeds, many in holiday garb, sat patiently with their owners as the children plopped down to read them a tale.
“I love the kids and the dogs love the kids, and we want to encourage reading,” said association member Betty Scarnato, who has participated in the Paws to Read a Tale program for more than 10 years.
Scarnato brought her bearded collie mix, Archie, and Wickett, her little Shih Tzu, to the library. But it was her late companion, Yoda, who attended every Paws to Read a Tale over the years.
“This mom would read the book to the kids, and she would turn it so Yoda could see the pictures,” Scarnato said. “I just loved her.”
Dari Harding said she is always excited to bring her Brittany spaniel, Abigail, to the Paws to Read a Tale event.
“It's fun for the dogs and keeps them socialized,” said Harding, “and it's very rewarding for us because we get to share something we love with other people.”
Grady Bohin, 4, of Center Township stroked Abigail's soft brown and white fur.
“I like to pet the dogs and give them treats,” Grady said.
Calder Hefferan, 4, also of Center Township, giggled and squirmed when Bella, an English bulldog, put his front paws on Calder's lap to get a treat.
“I like the dogs,” said Calder. “I love to pet them.”
After the reading session was complete, many of the dogs then served as living, barking props in The 12 Dogs of Christmas.
Longtime association member Nancy Slezak hosted the performance by announcing each day of Christmas with a canine spin.
Oliver, the tiniest canine at the library, represented the first dog of Christmas. As Slezak announced that “my true love gave to me, a puppy under the Christmas tree,” Oliver's owner led him to a step stool near a small, decorated tree on a table.
Oliver hopped up onto the stool and then curled up in a tiny bed under the tree as a collective “awwwwww” rose from the audience.
Slezak then announced two dogs a-prancing, and two owners appeared with their dogs.
Three tall dogs backing saw three enormous dogs backing up. The appropriate number of dogs, guided by their owners, appeared onstage when announced by Slezak and performed various tricks.
Ten dogs lying, nine dogs spinning, eight dogs posing, seven dogs weaving, six dogs bowing and five golden retrievers were all part of the show.
“It was really cute, especially how the littlest dog sat under the Christmas tree,” said Grace Smith, 8. “I just loved it.”She also enjoyed the Paws to Read a Tale, which she has attended for the past three or four years.“It's really fun to read to dogs and it gives me a chance to spend time with them,” Grace said.Bridget Hulick, 8, also enjoyed The 12 Dogs of Christmas.“They did cool tricks,” Bridget said. “My favorite was when they all were spinning around.”Nancy Kiefer, the director of the Butler Dog Training Association, said the dogs come to the library regularly for various programs.She especially appreciates the reading element of Saturday's event.“I can't tell you how many parents have come up to me to say, 'This is the only time my child will pick up a book,'” Kiefer said.She said many of the association's 80 members and their dogs participate in “canine ambassador” programs all over the county and throughout the year.She said dogs in the association range from purebreds owned by a breeder to mutts like little Oliver, who came from a hoarding situation.“Many of the dogs are rescue dogs,” she said.Peter Bess, assistant library director, said the event is meant to encourage reading in beginning readers.“The goal is to have kids who are just learning to read have another venue for reading,” Bess said. “They can practice in a fun, calm environment.”Raquel Steele, 8, said she thoroughly enjoyed her first experience with Paws to Read a Tale and The 12 Dogs of Christmas.Raquel summed up the feelings of all those who attended the event on Saturday.“I loved it, mostly because I love dogs,” she said.
