Tales

from Tails

A collection of stories and tips from your favorite C.A.R.E. Teams

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Table of Contents

Abby……………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………..1

Abby & Tess Constantino………………………………………………………………..….……………….……1

Bailey……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………2

Barney………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..….2

Bear………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..2

Beary………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3

Bella………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………….3

Blue…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3

Buddy……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4

Buster Brown………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..5

Cinder, Letter to…………………………………………………………………………………………………………5

Cubby……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6

Darby……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6

Eli…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….6

Gunner…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….7

Harry & Sophie……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..7

Honey………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………9

Lance……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….9

Lili & Haku……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………10

Luther’s Tail…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………10

Max…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………11

Misty………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………11

Molly & Rocket…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….12

Muffin…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..13

Mungus………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….13

Nicholas……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……….14

Peggy Sue, BeBe, & Risky………………………………………………………………………………………….14

Puzzle…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….15

Sadie……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..15

Sam………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..16

Samantha………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……17

Sara……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….17

Stormy………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….17

Stubben………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..18

Suni………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..19

Tiny………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..19

Tux…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………19

Zeus………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………20

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I'm Abby and I go to Aberdeen Elementary

When I get ready to leave for school, my owner (Nancy) puts my special collar on me. I get so excited when I hear the word "school." I almost want to pee! When we get close to school, she puts the window down so I can breathe in more excitement.

The first time I walked into the classroom, I saw so many tennis balls. All attached to the bottoms of chairs and table legs, a welcome sight for a dog. The best part, though, is the children.When we settle down in the corner of the room, I have three or four children come sit by me and read special stories.I listen and they pet me.They are always very nice and sometimes tell me about their pets.I can't wait until our next visit!

Abby and Tess Constantino

Abby and Tess Constantino volunteer at EliseMiddle School in Robbins.Tess, the Golden Retriever, was given to Hoke County Animal Control to be euthanized.Because of the insight of several people, she is now a therapy dog and special to several MooreCountyMiddle School students.Abby, the yellow lab, is very insightful for the students she visits.She senses their needs and is ready to help and comfort.

Many of the students Tess and Abby visit have had a rough beginning in life. The dogs are able to give comfort andhope for a better future.They help the students concentrate and learn things that are difficult to absorb in a large classroom situation because of a learning disability or cultural difference by working with them in an isolated, quiet environment.

Abby and Tess are helping a student who wants to join the Army after he graduates from high school but doesn't have the self-confidence to believe that he can. He comes from a large family and a very poor home environment. They are working with him individually on his math and reading skills so he realizes he CAN learn and that he does have a future. Their student is learningwhat he has to accomplish before he leaves high school and they are helping him believe he can get the job done. They have educated him on the requirements the U.S. Army has for admission and are working onconvincing him he can be ready with consistent work.

Bailey

The repeated clanging of the fire bell as it is tested; the loud hum of the copier; the intercom relaying messages to the school; doors slamming shut; loud voices in the hallway. None of this seemed to stray the attention between Bailey and the children as they read their stories. Everyone was so relaxed that the fear disappeared and the children would beg to read with her. What a wonderful opportunity it is when children want to read! Baileycontinues to receive correspondence from her students.They have shared many pieces of their lives and Bailey has responded through her human mom to discuss some of those things.We are both sad that the end of the school year has come, and hope that we will be able to continue the reading program next year.

Barney

I acquired Barney through a friend and I named him after Barney Rubble. Barney is Shih-Tzu who is four years old. Barney has a sibling named Buckee Roo and is a silly Persian cat. Barney is a clown and is a very loving dog. Barney’s favorite food is cheese and enjoys playing with his toy, Ted E. Bear. In addition to going to schools, Barney has also been a therapy dog in local nursing homes. Barney is a very loving dog with an easing gong personality.

Bear

I just wish I didn't work full-time; we'd be at school much more than we are able to now. We can only hope it has made a difference for the children who've read to us, i.e. The Bear. We encourage them to read at home (if they don't have a pet, I tell them to read to a stuffed animal).

The Bear's most memorable experience was when a little girl at Vass-Lakeview Elementary held on to his furry body, buried her face in it, and began singing "Somewhere over the Rainbow." Whew, by the end of the song, we had tears. Then there was the time we went into a classroom and the class hamster was on a table-height counter in a round exercise ball, not really running, but when it came eyeball-to-eyeball with The Bear, it RAN as fast as it could. Didn't get anywhere, but, man, it ran!

Beary

Beary was found at the Montgomery County Animal Shelter and is a Terrier mix. Beary is very gentle, loving, and friendly. Beary loves going on long walls and is a great dog.He is so sweet everyone loves him and talks about him. He has a curly tail that is always moving. His tail has become his own personal signature.

Bella

The situation with my therapy dog, Bella, is somewhat different from others. Since I am a teacher Bella comes to school with meand stays all day. The students love Bella and she has really changed the classroom environment.She hangs out at the reading center and reads with the children. During reading groups, Bella likes to hang out at the reading table and listen to the students read too. She loves the students and almost seems to sense when they are in need of her because she will go to them and sit by them or cuddle up with them on their lap.

Bellahas really changed our classroom. The students seem to be more relaxed and responsible. HavingBella in the classroom is one of the best therapies for these students.There was a student that came into class really upset and I let him relax in our reading center. He was crying and luckily Bella was there that day.She seemed to know he was upset because she ran over to him andlay right next to him.Something amazing happened. Thestudent calmed downand put Bella on his lap and started to talk to her. That was it. The rest of the day he was fine. Ever since then those two have shared a bond. It just goes to show you how something so little can help so much!

Blue

Well imagine my surprise. I actually had a good time taking Blue and listening to the kids read to him!

It was a little scary at first since I didn't know exactly what was expected of me so I just ad-libbed and went with the flow. When a child got stuck on a word I got them to "sound it out" and praised them for their efforts.

Mrs. Kschinka fit us in for 20 minutes (that gave me about five minutes per child). It was quite a bit of work getting Blue "together", getting to the school and then home for just four children a week. I'm hoping the schedule willbe double next school term. I was pleased when they asked me to return!

They honored Blue with a new "scarf" that was signed (and decorated) by every child. Then they 'blue' me away with a gift of two potholders that was also signed by each child! They got quite a kick out of Blue helping me "open my gift".

In the children I could see some WONDERFUL human beings coming up. What an honor to be even such a minor part of their lives.

Oh, one other little thing, those hugs I occasionally got were really special. I know Blue didn't mind one little bit being "swarmed" by the kids.

Buddy

As a Reading Recovery and Early Literacy teacher at Pinehurst Elementary School (PES), I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Moore County Schools’ Canine Assisted Reading Education(C.A.R.E.) program with my dog Buddy, a three year old Jack Russell Terrier.I have written and self-published a series of leveled readers about Buddy called, “Buddy Books.”These books are created for beginning readers. The stories are all about Buddy’s real life adventures. My reading students and other students at my school enjoy reading the books. Then they get to actually meet the star of the books! We sometimes do classroom presentations at other schools in MooreCounty as well as here at PES.

Buddy and I also visit at two local nursing homes in Pinehurst each Sunday afternoon. Recently we began doing “animal visitation therapy” at MooreRegionalHospital. All of these experiences have shown me how spending time with a dog can bring much happiness and comfort to people of all ages.

I have witnessed such joy and enthusiasm with the students who are able to read with Buddy at school. I feel it has had a very positive impact on their reading skills. He also provides great companionship at the nursing homes and brings a smile to the faces of everyone we meet! It has been a very rewarding experience to be able to share my special little dog with others. I call our work together, “Spreading the Buddy Joy!”

Buster Brown - C.A.R.E. Therapy Dog

It has been an absolute joy and privilege to accompany Buster Brown to AberdeenPrimary School three days per week to listen to students from six different classes read their selected stories.

After reading, each student is given the opportunity to walk Buster around the room, use various grooming tools on him, or simply to hug and love him. Students are taught about the best way to take care of pets.

Buster Brown typically provides each student with a chocolate-scented bone stamp on his/her hand or a dog sticker. On Valentine’s Day, he provided each student with a bookmark with a sticker of a brown dog.

Buster participated in the career day for second graders and the children were taught about the therapy dog program. In addition to Aberdeen Primary, Buster Brown spends one day per week at St. Joseph of the PinesHealthCenter. He has also visited Duke Hospital Eye Clinic in Durham, NC, PinehurstRehabilitationCenter and Appalachian Physical Therapy.

Buster Brown truly loves all people and dogs. He is a rock star at the school or the health centers with children, seniors, and staff.

It has been inspiring to watch Buster Brown bring a smile to everyone—from the patient recently suffering a severe stroke to the child whose parent just entered prison.

Buster Brown participated in a Blessing of the Animals ceremony at St. Joseph of the Pines this year. Truly, God has sent him as a blessing to so many!

Letter to Cinder

This letter was written by a child in a MooreCountyElementary School to Cinder, a C.A.R.E. member.

Dear Cinder,

I hope you will come to my school. I would really like to meat you. I heard you came on the 14th. I have two questions. How did you learn to read? How did you get picked to learn to read? I have always wanted to meet you and your trainer.

Your friend.

Cubby

Cubby, a yellow lab type, is a rescue dog.She was named Cubby because she looks like a polar bear cub. She is eight years old and is in her third year as a therapy dog, working in the C.A.R.E. program.

Cubby and owner, Don Bryant, visit FarmLifeSchool every Monday morning. Everyone at Farm Life knows Cubby and many students and teachers greet her when she arrives. Cubby lives on a farm with two other dogs and six horses.She helps keep the farm free of squirrels, geese andother wayward creatures.

Darby at Robbins Elementary

My name is Darby Andrews and I’ve been a Therapy Dog International volunteer for three years now, celebrating my fourth birthday in the spring of 2010.

I was rescued by my mom Jeralie from the MooreCountyAnimalCenter when I was six months old. I passed my Therapy Dogs International (TDI) test when I turned one year and joined the assisted pet therapy program at St. Joseph of the Pines. I then furthered my community involvement by becoming a reading dog in the MooreCountySchool’s C.A.R.E. program and have been working every Monday morning at RobbinsElementary School. My younger adopted brother Lance works there too. Mom tries to alternate our visits but sometimes it comes down to which one of us begs mom the most to get out the door with her. She’s come up with some tricks of her own to fool us so we don’t think it is Monday. But we know! We love our second and third grade kids. They have great teachers too. I especially love listening to one student read while I stretch out on my mat with another who hugs, kisses and loves on me. Lance says he prefers to sit so the child reading can stroke him when he or she needs to feel his soft, warm fur.

Eli

Eli was acquired through a breeder when she was six months old. Her name at the time was Eagle but I preferred Eli, which sounded close and was perfect for her. She is also called “e-girl”. Eli is an Australian Shepherd and has three siblings that are cats. Two leave her alone and the third likes to play with her. Eli thinks she is a person. She loves to go with me everywhere I go. She also loves being told she is pretty and getting other attention. Eli loves playing Frisbee, tug-of-war, stealing food from my kid’s plates, going bye-bye, and chasing my three cats. She feels special when she gets to go in public buildings. Eli was my first child. We did obedience and agility at Bon-Cyde. When she was two, I had my son and she got less attention. I now have three little kids, and I feel guilty that Eli doesn’t get to do agility anymore. So I am excited to become a C.A.R.E team and do this with her. She will love it!

Gunner

I would definitely volunteer again. I loved the children at Aberdeen Primary, although, I will miss all my second graders that are moving on to Aberdeen Elementary next year. Principal Donnell was fantastic and all of the teachers at the school were great.

I loved the children. I think the best comment I heard was when we first met the children and one boy asked me how much Gunner weighed. When I told him "85 pounds" he responded with, "He doesn't need to ride in a booster seat anymore"!It was great answering the children's questions about dogs and Gunner was patient as the curious children touched him, squeezed him and kissed him. Our last day we took photos of the children with Gunner and they made their own picture frames to take home.

Gunner knew when it was Monday and he gotso excited as we got closer to the school. He just knew where he was going. It is very rewarding and fulfilling and I look forward to doing it next year. I am also hoping to test my youngest addition, Blue.

Harry & Sophie

When I first went to Aberdeen Elementary, Mrs. DePolo, the reading specialist, was there in the mornings and we worked with her. I was lucky as she was a big help in my getting started! We tried a few different approaches to the kids reading to the dogs, including a small group of four or five, groups of three, and just having two kids at a time read to the dogs. The best situation was having only two children at a time read for 20 to 25minutes. Each child in turnreads a page or a paragraph (if it's a long one)--usually a page, and both children read from the same book. Doing that, we could work with six kids over an hour to an hour and a half.

We also had a separateplace where the kids could come to do the reading. If not a separate room, than an areaseparated from the rest of the class by bookcases and in an out of the way part of the room. The best was having a small rugon the floorthat delineates the area. Even though there were chairs in the area I found it better to sit on the rug with a child on either side of me (despite my older bones).Weasked the teacher to let the kids choose only one book, which sometimes the kids were disappointed about, but it works better.If they each arrive withtheir own book, Itell them that we arereading from one book only andthe one whose book was not decided upon would get to pickthe book the next time. Occasionally, a teacher would pick the reading material and that was OK too. Sometimes, after the kids read a few paragraphs/pages,we would talk a littleabout what they had just read.