42 million American adults can't read at all; 50 million are unable to read at a higher level that is expected of a fourth or fifth grader.
	The number of adults that are classified as functionally illiterate increases by about 2.25 million each year.
	20 percent of high school seniors can be classified as being functionally illiterate at the time they graduate.

Source: National Right to Read Foundation

The purpose of the Pack Reader Program is to reach out and make contact with children throughout our local schools, libraries and bookstores to bring reading back into their lives via a certified, insured C.A.T. Dog.

Children are much more comfortable reading to a dog than they are reading in front of their peers in the classroom. Dogs don’t laugh or tease the student after school because they didn’t get it quite right. All they will get is tail wagging praise and unconditional love that only a furry four legged friend can give!

While the C.A.T. Dog is sitting and listening to the children, they not only develop their reading skills, they gain confidence and pass this wisdom on to their peers. They will become a Pack Leader through the Pack Reader Program.

In schools we work closely with the 1st and 2nd grade teachers. Teachers choose students from within his/her classroom that need extra help with their reading skills. These students will each get a chance to sit with the Pack Reader C.A.T. Dog once a week, for approximately 15-20 minutes while reading to the C.A.T. Dog. The Human of the team will help with words and make sure the children understand what they are reading, but most of the time it is the child and the dog.

Local libraries and bookstores have designated days and times of a Pack Reader reading event. These events are posted on our website and Facebook and are open to the public. We strongly recommend reservations so we can keep the number of children in line with the number of C.A.T. Dogs at the event. Each child will get an opportunity to read one-on-one to the C.A.T. Dog. The amount of time varies per library and bookstore depending on the allotted time for the event.

The goal is to help reduce illiteracy. We will do this one child at a time with the help of our Pack Reader Program and our Advanced Certified C.A.T. Dogs.

Note: All C.A.T. Dogs that work with children and/or special needs individuals require advanced testing and will have an Advanced C.A.T. Dog Certification. For more information on the Advanced C.A.T. Dog Testing and Certification, please contact us.