Sure, your dog can fetch a tennis ball, but can he teach a child to read?

Dog trainers William T. Clemons III, Linda Hubbard, and Barb Randall, will discuss why their dogs are "More Than Man's Best Friend" at Southern Pines Public Library at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 26. This presentation is part of Explorations, an ongoing lecture and discussion series for adults.

Clemons has worked with Southeastern Guide Dogs, raising and training seeing-eye dogs for the blind. He will be joined by his dog Nor'e, a former seeing-eye dog who is now therapy-certified to accompany foster children to court.

Hubbard and Randall are the volunteer coordinator and trainer for the C.A.R.E. (Canine Assisted Reading Education) program in Moore County. Through C.A.R.E. children in primary and elementary schools are assigned a canine "reading buddy" in order to expand their interest and confidence in reading. Several furry graduates of C.A.R.E. will also be attending.

"Dog lovers and do-gooders are invited to come meet these dogs who 'heal' as well as 'heel,'" says a spokesman.

New Book

In this struggling economy, the negative impact of a dwindling market has forced many people into survival mode.

Professional speaker and author, L. Diane Wolfe, has witnessed this trend in those who attend her seminars. Aware of the need for encouragement, as well as leadership and people skills, Wolfe devised a way to reach those outside of her speaking engagements. The result is "Overcoming Obstacles with SPUNK! The Keys to Leadership & Goal-Setting."

Available from Dancing Lemur Press L.L.C., Wolfe's book outlines the steps required to overcome obstacles and become an effective and dynamic leader. Joined by authors David Ambrose, p.m. terrell, Darlene Wofford, Jocelyn Andersen, Bob Johnson, C. Denise Sutton, and Bill Wilson, her book energizes one's passion for life.

Wolfe's upcoming appearances include "An Ounce of Prevention Health Seminar" in Washington, D.C., featuring keynote speaker, First Lady Michelle Obama; NCAEOP's Annual Conference in Greensboro; and Waldenbooks in Southern Pines, Saturday, May 2.

The book is available retail and wholesale from Ingram, Quality Books Inc. or publisher direct.