We invite you to join us as we improve the reading skills of children in North Florida! Along with specially trained and certified dogs, our volunteer literacy mentors implement the international R.E.A.D. program to help kids read better while having fun!

We depend upon the commitment of our volunteers and rely on the kindness of people like you so that we can continue this important service for our kids! Learn more - donate or volunteer today!

Come meet the R.E.A.D dogs! Share Your Favorite Book!

Please contact us to see where you
can visit a R.E.A.D. dog this summer!

   PawsitivePetsInc@aol.com

We thank all our
Benefactors:

Wal-Mart

Jacksonville Golf &
Country Club

Barnes and Noble

Bank of America

Sam’s Club

Jerry Favorite

TPC Birdies for Charity

Join Them!

Pawsitive Pets is a non-profit organization servicing NE Florida as a facilitator of R.E.A.D. – Reading Education Assistance Dog program. Our R.E.A.D. program is designed to improve the literacy skills of children through the assistance of registered Pet Partner® therapy teams as Literacy Leaders. The scope of R.E.A.D. is to demonstrate how registered therapy dogs and their handlers can be instrumental in improving the literacy skills of children in an effective, unique and, most importantly, fun manner. Literacy specialists acknowledge children, who are below their peers in reading skills are often intimidated by reading aloud in a group, often have lower self-esteem, and view reading as a chore.

The intent of the R.E.A.D. program is to have children read to the therapy animals. Research with therapy animals indicates that children with low self-esteem are often more willing to interact with an animal than another person and they are inclined to forget about their limitations. The premise of the R.E.A.D. program is that children will find reading to an animal less intimidating and a special time for them that is helpful and fun and will become a positive environment in which learning is facilitated.

There are many benefits to participants in the R.E.A.D. program, including:

• Children improve their reading skills in a unique and fun environment
• The program can be implemented in many settings
• The program promotes another positive way that animals can make a difference in children's lives
• Decreased absenteeism & discover reading is fun
• Improved self-confidence and self-esteem
• A sense of pride in their accomplishments & a willingness to get involved in other activities
  
  
  
  

Come Meet our R.E.A.D. dogs and read your favorite book! Take a look at our upcoming Events to visit with a R.E.A.D. dog or contact us if you would like to implement R.E.A.D. in your school!