Bark & Read Foundation.

"Dogs are the new weapon in the battle against child illiteracy."

The Kennel Club Charitable Trust has always been there for dogs, helping our furry friends wherever and whenever possible. Now though the KCCT has teamed up with Pets As Therapy (P.A.T) and Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D) to form the Bark & Read Foundation so they can help dogs help children!

You may be thinking, 'dogs can't read!' and you're quite right, they can't, but they can provide a relaxing, pressure free atmosphere and a sympathetic ear. Studies have shown that children can become stressed when learning to read to others or to a group and so often the nerves can show in a reluctance to practice. Practice makes perfect and that's especially true when it comes to primary skills like reading!

The idea is to take away the stress of learning to read and give children some comfort and reassurance as they venture into the world of literacy. Reading aloud can be scary if you struggle or lack confidence and a lot of children will fear judgement or criticism. A dog will still adore you even if you make a mistake - a positive fact that the KCCT, P.A.T and R.E.A.D are trying to extend to the children in need of a helping paw. 

The dogs' sociable natures will also provide motivation and inspire self esteem. By using dogs in this way reading will hopefully become a hugely positive and rewarding experience for children, giving them a love for books that will last a lifetime. Reading is such an important skill, every child should be able to unlock their full potential and hopefully 'Bark & Read' will give the estimated 1 in 6 illiterate children the help they deserve.

Bark & Read will be officially launched at this years Discover Dogs, where children under 12 go free, so be sure you take your children along so they can visit the Bark & Read Corner and see what it's all about! Even if you don't have children you can always call in to the corner and find out what's going on, so you can spread the word and maybe bring it to your local schools attention.

If you'd like to have one of the Bark & read sponsored dogs visit your school, group or club then you can contact Pets As Therapy by calling  01844-345445 or email R.E.A.D via tonynevett@yahoo.co.uk

The KC Library (Clarges St, Piccadilly) will also be holding 'reading days' for children from London primary schools and children with special needs from senior schools and colleges. You can find out more information about the reading days by getting in touch with Ciara Farrell on 020 7518 1009 or ciara.farrell@thekennelclub.org.uk

We really hope you'll get behind the fabulous Bark & Read campaign and maybe even do your bit to help the cause! If you need any encouragement at all, these heart warming testimonials should do the job...

Until next time,
Love & licks as ever,
Rio, Jonny, Buffy, Rafferty, Monroe, Lily and Lola.
xo