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One of the most interesting educational experiences is learning how to read. For West Salem Elementary School second-graders, the experience has gotten a lot more enjoyable.

Recently, teacher Cyndy Nichols introduced the students to the Paws for Reading Program, allowing trained therapy dogs to come into the classroom for frequent visits. The children are encouraged to read some of their favorite books to the dogs, enjoying the company of animals while working on their reading skills simultaneously.

“The dogs are so un-threatening,” Nichols said. “I sought out the dogs after doing some research, and it’s definitely a win-win situation for the kids, the dogs, as well as their owners.”

So far the class has welcomed two canine friends into their class: Rufus and Cooper. Rufus is a 2-year-old cavalier King Charles spaniel and Cooper is a 6-year-old mix of greyhound, collie and husky. Both dogs and owners Sue Kellog and Renee Knutson are members of the pet therapy program, Ambassadors of Love, at the Coulee Region Humane Society.

“I knew that Rufus would be great for this sort of activity shortly after we got him,” Kellog said. “He was a people-seeker and loved interacting with anyone. It’s such a rewarding thing to do, much more rewarding than exciting.”

Knutson agreed.

“I’ve seen positive aspects across the board,” Knutson said. “There are so many pluses, and it’s obvious that the kids are gravitated towards animals.”

Kellog and Knutson make visits approximately once a week, traveling around the county to a variety of schools, nursing homes and sporting events.

“Dogs that are forced into this program are the ones that aren’t good at this,” said Kellog. “It’s the ones that have all-around good temperaments and are craving attention.”

This is the first time that Nichols has invited therapy dogs into the classroom, and so far she has seen nothing but good results. Nichols plans to keep utilizing the dogs as a learning tool in the future and has already seen drastic improvement in reading skills.

“The dogs aren’t judgmental, and they’re just so friendly with the kids,” Nichols said. “I’ve seen so much development and I want other kids to be able to experience this in the future.”