Harvey the Reading Dog

Harvey and Carol O'Connor have been selected as Sebastian Elementary Senior Volunteers of the Year and were both honored at a breakfast on Valentines Day.

Harvey, the Reading Dog --- by Carol O'connor, Vero Beach, FL

Harvey has begun his fifth year as a therapy dog at Sebastian Elementary School in Sebastian, Florida. Harvey visits the school weekly, where he meets with two to three children chosen by their teacher to participate in the reading program. Theis program, sponsored by the local humane society, helps children gain self-confidence from readin to the dog, which improves their reading abilities.

Harvey is a very good listener and enjoys the books the children select to read. Many of the children bring books about dogs because they think Harvey will enjoy it more. Harvey doesn't really care - he just loves all the stories and the time he gets to spend with the children. The children at the school call Harvey the "reading dog," and he is met with tremendous enthusiasm from the students, teachers and staff.

Harvey wears a special collar when he does his volunteer word. On the collar is the TDInc. red heart that reads, "I'm a Therapy Dog." When he wears this collar, he knows it is a work day and is eager to get started.

We have both thoroughly enjoyed this experience and look forward to many more years of helping students enjoy reading.