PUP READers
Providing striving young readers with a supportive environment through the assistance of a registered therapy dog team to promote personal growth and self esteem.
“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.”
~Frederick Douglas
Our WHY
Reading is a fundamental skill that is essential to academic success and functioning in today’s ever changing society. Learning to read, however, is a very complex process that can sometimes lead to feelings of anxiety and stress for some children due to the pressure they feel to perform. Our teams support children to enhance their reading skills while promoting their love of dogs and a good book!
“Reading should not be presented to children as a chore or duty. It should be offered to them as a gift.”
~Kate DiCamillo
Our HOW
Our therapy dogs and volunteers provide a supportive, nonjudgmental, and fun environment where reading is something to look forward to and celebrate. We offer individualized reading sessions where the therapy dog serves as a catalyst for motivation and the volunteer serves as a reading coach. Our goal is to improve kids' attitudes towards reading while also supporting the development of their reading skills.
“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader”
~Margaret Fuller
THE KIDS
Paws Unleash Potential is committed to uplifting communities who need it the most. PUP READers supports various communities in the Greater Richmond area. We especially seek Our partnerships with Title I schools in an effort to help bridge the literacy gap among vulnerable populations by providing enriched educational experiences.
PUP READers has 14 volunteer teams who visit 11 elementary schools and public libraries in Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Hopewell, and Richmond the Greater Richmond area. We also have 8 volunteer teams who visit 11 public libraries in Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, and Richmond. Special events, upon request, are often granted depending on the availability of volunteers.
If your school or library is interested in partnering with PUP READers, please contact pupreaders@gmail.com.
Current PUP READers Library Schedule
Visit HERE to download a PDF of the schedule with library links!
How to Volunteer with PUP READers
Completion of the PUP Volunteer Application is required in order to volunteer with PUP READers.
Step One
R.E.A.D.® Manual
All PUP READers teams must purchase their own copy of the R.E.A.D. Training Manual from Intermountain Therapy Animals (ITA).
All PUP READers volunteers are eligible to receive a discount on the R.E.A.D.® Manual from ITA.
Step Two
PUP READers Volunteer Training Class
Attend a volunteer training class and successfully complete and submit the training manual quiz to obtain your ITA READ® membership card. Contact PUPREADers@gmail.com to attend a training class, typically held at public a library on a Saturday.
Complete the packet for ITA to become a registered R.E.A.D.® Team.
Step Three
After Training
E-mail copies of your current ATD certification card and your ITA R.E.A.D.® team card to PUPREADers@gmail.com.
Observe a current PUP READers team on a scheduled visit.
Complete a visit with your dog accompanied by a current PUP READers volunteer.
We will work one-on-one with you based on your schedule and location to determine which facility would work best for you.
How you can help?
Volunteer with PUP READers
We are looking for individuals who identify with our passion and vision: helping share the power of therapy dogs with young, striving readers throughout the Greater Richmond Area.