PAWS Therapy Dogs

Helping Kids - Canine Literacy Program

OC Animal Allies PAWS volunteers embrace new ways to help the Orange County Communities we proudly serve.  We welcome requests from new facilities, schools and organizations looking to bring the magic of pet therapy to their location.

The goal of OC Animal Allies’ award-winning Canine Literacy Program is to help reduce the anxiety students feel when reading aloud, improve reading fluency and reading comprehension skills, build self-esteem and confidence and to simply make reading fun.

Studies have shown that petting a dog lowers both blood pressure and stress levels. This same response occurs in the reading session, helping children to reduce stress while reading aloud.  Many students use one hand to pet the dog and the other hand to hold their book while reading to the dog who offers a calm, accepting and nonjudgemental ear. This unique experience is a wonderful way to motivate students and establishes marked and lifelong improvements in reading, speaking and comprehension.

For more information on our award winning Canine Literacy program please email info@ocanimalallies.org.

I have a student in my class who was a selective mute. On Bella’s second visit, this student finally whispered, “Bella!” After that, he became more comfortable reading and talking in class. I feel that special dog, Bella, and her owner were the main motivators for this student to speak.
Kimberly Escobar
1st Grade - Heritage Elementary
We feel so lucky to have been part of the Canine Literacy program. You have made us better readers!
Students in F-I
My students have thoroughly enjoyed the reading program and the bond that they have since formed with both you and our furry friends.  I have watched them become more fluent, passionate, and most importantly, more confident readers. Keep up the hard work! As my kiddos say, "Paw Power!"
Venus K. Moeller
5th Grade Teacher - Courreges Elementary

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OC Animal Allies is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to supporting Orange County families and their animals. We are funded solely by the generous donations of individuals and corporations in the community that we serve.
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TO OUR OC ANIMAL ALLIES PARTNERS
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