MONTICELLO, NY — On Tuesday, April 29 The George L. Cooke Elementary School had a special visit by two dog owners, Sandy and Cathie and their dogs Emma and Rudy, who are certified to do dog therapy.

Dog therapy is provided by a dog trained to provide affection and comfort to people who are in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas and people with learning difficulties. One example of dog therapy is the building of self-confidence. Many children have difficulties reading. As a result, they can develop low self-esteem when reading in public. By reading to a dog, children relax and focus on the dog and the reading, therefore building self confidence.

Sadie Roosevelt’s students read to Emma and Rudy and the dogs responded in a positive and loving way by listening and lounging as they were being read to. This visit was arranged by the Kiwanis of Monticello members Lori Benjamin, Sharon Jankiewicz and Tom Cragan.