Scientists are studying this phenomenon as it could have a significant impact on how doctors treat emotional problems such as depression and chronic disease. One of the most novel approaches is using trained therapy dogs to help children learn to read. Literacy specialists say that children who are below their peers in reading skills are often intimidated by reading aloud in a group, often have lower self-esteem and view reading as a chore. Reading Education Assistance Dogs, or READ, is the creation of Sandi Martin, of Salt Lake City, a member of the Board of Directors for Intermountain Therapy Animals . In the READ program, children read to the therapy animals.
Research indicates that children with low self-esteem are often willing to interact with an animal.
During these interactions they are inclined to forget about their limitations, even losing such impediments as a stutter. Sandi Martin's thoughts focused on how children with poor reading skills often seem unable to concentrate and are usually intimidated when reading in front of people. Combining her passion for reading and the knowledge of how therapy animals can help people with other challenges, Martin launched the program using dogs as reading mentors. The program, Dog Day Afternoons, began in the Salt Lake City Public Library system and is open to all children who need a listening ear. The program has now expanded into the schools.