Would you and your dog like to help children learn to read?

"Tail Waggin' Tutors, a program collaboratively sponsored by Moore County Schools and the Pet Responsibility Committee, is recruiting new members for its program "Children Reading to Dogs."

The main objective of this program is to provide a relaxed and "dog-friendly" atmosphere, which allows students to practice the skill of reading.

Many of the children chosen for this program have difficulties reading and as a result have developed self-esteem issues. They are often self-conscious when reading aloud in front of other students.

By sitting down next to a dog and reading to the dog, all threats of being judged are put aside. The child relaxes, pats the attentive dog, and focuses on the reading.

Reading improves because the child is practicing the skill of reading, building self-esteem, and associating reading with something pleasant. To learn more about the program and the dog certification requirements, visit the website www.mcprc.org

The mission of "Tail Waggin' Tutors" is to expand a child's interest in reading and thus lay the groundwork for a lifetime of education ultimately leading to a higher quality of life. Canines and their owners must be certified by Therapy Dogs International Inc.

Training for Therapy Dogs International is available from several trainers in Lee and Moore counties, including Bon-Clyde, Sanford, (919) 774-6794; PetSmart, Aberdeen, (910) 246- 1587; Shadow Hill Kennel and Farm, Jackson Springs, (910) 974-3647; and Cape Fear Dog Training Club, Fayetteville, (910) 424-3998.

Testing for potential new members of "Tail Waggin' Tutors" is scheduled for Nov. 5 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Register with Pam Partis at ppartis@gmail.com. Fee is $15. Confirmation and location for test will be emailed prior to test date.

"If you have your TDI certification, obtain a 'Tail Waggin' Tutor' application from the MCPRC Website or Tim Lussier at Moore County Schools, (910) 947-2976," says a spokesman. "Complete it and email it to tlussier@ncmcs.org. or mail to P.O. Box 1180, Carthage, NC 28327."