We weren’t confirmed as a PAWS for Reading substitute that evening at the Brandywine Library. I had a choice between several things to do, but decided to go to the library and see if we were needed. Three Golden Retrievers showed up, and we all decided that I wasn't. Not that many children had registered.

As Araby and I were leaving the reading room, a young girl about nine years-old saw Araby, and her face lit up. I remembered her; she had read to Araby the last time we were at Brandywine. She got very enthused, said hello to Araby, and petted her immediately. I explained that we were leaving and that there were other dogs in the reading room just waiting for her to read to one of them. Her expression became downcast; she hung her head, and held her book closely to her chest. Her mother said, "Don't you want to go in?" She shook her head and said in a soft, sad voice, "No, not right now," and looked at Araby.

I said to the child and her mother that Araby and I could stay if she wanted and if it were OK with the librarian. The librarian nodded, and we sat in the chairs right outside of the room. She again became very enthusiastic, showed me her book, Meet Felicity, and started reading right away. I could tell that this young lady was a struggling reader, but she persevered, looking at Araby repeatedly, perhaps for encouragement and reassurance.

After the reading was over, her mother said to me, "This PAWS for Reading program has done wonders for my little girl. It's made such a difference for her. She has reading comprehension ONLY when she reads to a dog. That's why we are here every week." Mom thanked me again for staying, saying that her daughter couldn't wait to read to Araby tonight. I responded that I was more than happy to oblige. (At this point, I was almost in tears.) She also added that her daughter was deathly afraid of dogs before enrolling in the program.

I'm really glad I that Araby and I made the decision to go to the library that night.