COOL listeners

5-year-old Stanton and his friend Faith sat patiently while a 4-year-old girl curled up next to them and read from her favorite book. They sat for a long time while 20 other children read to them. The only sign that one could tell they were really enjoying themselves was the way their tails wagged as each child read their favorite story.

Stanton and Faith are a part of the national Read to a Dog Program. The program introduces children to dogs while they sit and read to them. Parents who either knew about the program or ones who stumbled upon it were pleased with the concept. Jennifer York, mother to 3-year-old Betsy, woke to find her daughter practicing reading prior to going to the library for the event, "It's never too early to get children started on reading books and I love that it encourages kids to read by letting them interact with animals. I wish there had been a program like this when I was growing up."

4-year-old Violet Lewis was apprehensive about reading to such large dogs but was glad she did, "I could tell he liked the book because he was wagging his tail. He was a good listener and a nice dog." Violet's mother, Amy, appreciated the chance for her to be up close with such a large dog, "It was good for her to be in a controlled environment with a large dog who was so well-behaved."

Mary Letourneau, Stanton's owner, was overjoyed to see how much the children appeared to connect with him. They have been a part of the program for over three years, "It's so rewarding to see children gaining confidence by reading to these dogs. And Stanton enjoys being entertained by these kids so much. His tail never stops wagging."

Here's to the dogs, as well as their owners, who sit so patiently while children read to them and gain confidence-keep your tails wagging-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL!

What do you think of the "Read to a Dog Program" and how the children respond to it?

a COOL raft guide

Dave Kadlock of Salt Lake City, UT is a skilled raft guide for the nonprofit organization SPLORE, which helps people of all abilities experience adventures of the great outdoors.

As a skilled guide, Dave has made himself known to those in his field but has distinguished himself from all other guides with his attitude in working with clients who are battling various physical and cognitive disabilities.

Lindsay Malone, marketing coordinator for SPLORE expresses how valuable Dave is to the organization, "Dave is always right there putting a smile on everyone's face. Being a gifted storyteller, Dave is often found telling legends around a campfire or causing uproarious laughter while floating down the river. Dave's passion for people makes him an invaluable partner for our organization."

Here's to Dave Kadlock for allowing those with physical and cognitive disabilities to experience the great outdoors with dignity and laughter-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL!

For more information about SPLORE please visit: www.splore.org

What do you think of Dave and the work he does on the river?