PLANT CITY, Fla. — Bonnie the Shih Tzu really likes dinosaur books.
But truth be told, the 9-year-old rescue dog is more than happy to listen to whatever book a child wants to read to her at Bruton Memorial Library in Plant City.
“She doesn’t judge,” says Cassandra Banning, Bonnie’s owner. “She doesn’t care if they miss a word.”
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“Reading With Bonnie the Therapy Dog” is a free innovative program allowing young children to grow confidence reading to a listener simply happy to be next to them. The event occurs every Wednesday at 4 p.m.
Bonnie is trained to comfort and soothe. She doesn’t correct the kids or bark.
The library does whatever it can to get boys or girls to read, especially during the summer.
“We like to think ‘outside the book,’” says the library’s Amanda Preece.
Time spent reading to Bonnie counts toward prizes.
Bruton Memorial Library is currently hosting a summer reading program rewarding kids with tickets to Dinosaur World and Tampa Bay Rays games.
There will be a special birthday celebration for Bonnie on June 26. Refreshments and fun activities will be included.
