DICKSON CITY -- Some kids in Lackawanna County got the chance to practice reading out loud to an audience of attentive pups.
The Commonwealth Charter Academy in Dickson City held a "Books and Bow-Wows Literacy Event” on Saturday.
Organizers said that reading out loud can sometimes cause anxiety or discourage children from public speaking, and by reading to the dogs, children could boost their confidence.
"It happens that children like to read to them better because a dog is a nonjudgmental audience for the child so because of that, it ends up promoting literacy because they can practice their skills without feeling judged," said event coordinator Shayna Baggetta.
The therapy dogs were trained to sit and listen while the children practiced reading out loud.
The event was also joint effort with therapy dogs international and the Lackawanna County bookmobile.
Donations were accepted at the event to benefit Griffin Pond Animal Shelter.