Paws & Pages: dogs helping kids improve their literacy skills!

Are you sitting comfortably dogs, boys and girls? Then we’ll begin!

Inspired by our new summer theme of childhood summer, Club Dogwood is fundraising for some amazing charities who work with young people to improve their literacy skills and wellbeing by developing their confidence, self-esteem and enjoyment in reading.

We’ve made a video (starring our dogs of course!) inspired by World Book Day. Our dogs are enjoying some of our Club Dogwood activities themed around our favourite childhood books. How many books will you be able to identify? You might spot a broomstick, a brightly coloured patchwork elephant, a secret garden or a woodland setting where the Gruffalo might be found!

Our funds will go towards three charities - Pets as Therapy, Therapy Dogs Nationwide and Canine Concern - who all run programmes that take specially trained volunteers and their dogs into schools, allowing children to read to the dogs – who are non-judgemental and great listeners. The children can relax and have fun, and of course, we know that when we read aloud to dogs, it can strengthen bonds, reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm and serenity. These programmes can also help to teach children how to behave responsibly around dogs, giving them an awareness of dog body language and even helping to break down barriers where children might be frightened by dogs.

To donate, click on one of the 'Donate' links below - the first one is for Pets as Therapy, the second one for Therapy Dogs Nationwide, and the third one for Canine Concern. We'd love to raise as much money as possible for all three of these fantastic charities.