Dec 14, 2007 5:00 am US/Central
Texans With Character: Jennifer Fletcher and Beaux
Dog Helps Children With Reading Skills
(CBS 11 / TXA 21)
Jennifer Fletcher and Beaux are a handler/dog team for Therapy Dogs International. They bring comfort to people in nursing homes, hospitals, as well as, children who have been abused.
Beaux and Fletcher are also finding time to make a difference with kids in local schools.
"They're trying to read things that maybe they wouldn't have read before and if we can open the door for one kid we've done our job," she said.
"We're trying to reach those kids who maybe don't like to read maybe are having trouble reading."
Beau's relaxed demeanor observed on a recent visit, helps the kids feel comfortable as they read out loud to him.
"Beau gives them a way to not focus so much on the negative; not focus so much on the scary part of reading, but to focus on him instead and then they will do it more."
Diane Stroeble appreciates the extra help with these children with behavioral issues, learning disabilities or other those who have never talked.
"We're seeing that they are comprehending better their learning words they don't know," she beams. "They've just blossomed, and it has built up their confidence because you know he's not critical of their reading."
It's clear Beaux is a special dog and spreads love wherever he goes. Fletcher rescued him from an animal shelter days before he was euthanized.
"I had seen his temperament was really geared to being a therapy dog. So we heeled him up and I took him through training," she adds.
"I am the luckiest person in the world to get to see this. I am his chauffer. He does the hard work and I am just lucky to see it."
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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