MY STORY
as told by Royal Mark Life of Riley, a R.E.A.D. Dog
My name is Riley — I’m a PWC –
An Irish Pembroke Welsh Corgi — that’s me!
I was born in New York on Saint Patrick’s Day,
But my ancestors came from far, far away
In Wales, where they lived with enchanted fairies
In forests filled with magic berries.
At three months of age I flew to Montana.
(I think that’s the home of Hannah Banana.)
I grew lots of fur and played in the snow
And romped in the woods and raced to and fro.
I grew big and strong, and when I was five,
I took another plane ride — sakes alive!
I settled in Florida with my sister, Pippin
And took up the lazy south Florida livin’.
I shed some fur, too, so that I would look neat
And wouldn’t be terribly warm in the heat.
I chased the birds and the little lizards
And hardly missed all those wintery blizzards.
Then I had a really great chance to learn
A way cool job — a chance to turn
Myself into a giving fellow —
Helpful, kind, and very mellow.
I knew that I had to master some things
And I worked my tail off practicing:
Sit and Down and Come and Stay
And Leave It – I worked for hours each day!
Then I had a scary evaluation!
(This test was quite an education!)
I passed it all with flying colors
And also met some real cool fellers.
Then I saw the cutest gal —
Her name is Sadie, and she’s my pal.
Now we’re therapy dogs extraordinaire
And make the very greatest pair!
We go to work at school each week
And practice our great R.E.A.D. technique
We’re a Reading Education Assistance Dog team!
(This concept may seem quite extreme.)
I lie on my blanket of the floor,
Surrounded by magical books galore.
The kids read stories to each of us,
Away from their classmates — no big fuss.
Books can take us to many a special place,
Or even into outer space!
Sometimes I hear a scary story,
A fable, or an allegory,
A tale of dinosaurs or dragons,
Or horses pulling magic wagons!
If there’s a word that I don’t know,
I raise my head or tap my toe.
The dictionary’s always handy,
And the definition’s really dandy.
My friends, the kids, teach words to me.
It’s fun, no stress, and fancy free.
And if I lose my train of thought,
They’ll fill me in about the plot.
And when we’re done, I’ll have a treat.
(I do love something good to eat!)
Next come the hugs and time for play,
And then we’re off and on our way.
I love my job and special friends
And the magic of books that never ends.
The life of a R.E.A.D. dog is the best!
But after each visit, I need a LONG rest.
That’s the end of this Corgi’s tail —
No pun intended – it was lost in the mail!
* * * * *
Maggi P. says Riley is eagerly awaiting for school to resume in late August. In March, he just celebrated his 7th birthday at the school where they R.E.A.D. every week with a combined 4th and 5th grade.
You can learn all about the Reading Education Assistance Dog Program at http://therapyanimals.org. Just click on R.E.A.D. Visit the affiliate website, too: http://www.readingpaws.org.
* * * *
Good News! The US Senate has proclaimed November 14th
National Reading Education Assistance Dogs Day!
Now THAT’s woof-worthy.
READ is a wonderful program and our stubbydogs are PERFECT for doing the job. Congratulations Riley — you're making a big difference.
Oregon Riley the agility jumper and his sister Tegwen wish Riley the reader a very very happy barkday!