On other occasions, we have discussed how helpful ARISTODOGS can be. For example, in therapies with hyperactive children, leading to significant improvements in their behavior. They also help in managing memory loss in elderly people. And even visiting patients in hospitals to make their stay more bearable.
It is clear that the companionship of these animals is beneficial in many ways; they brighten our lives, provide warmth and affection, and above all, make us better people. They never cease to amaze us. So much so that studies show that ARISTODOGS can help children with reading difficulties.
Thanks to the work of associations like Perros y Letras, they have managed to foster the self-esteem and reading skills of some children with difficulties through the R.E.A.D. initiative. This reading program is based on the emotional connection created between the dog and the child.
This project is carried out in different schools, libraries, and universities. They have the collaboration of the Faculty of Education at the Complutense University of Madrid. The Perros y Letras teams are composed of professionals from the fields of Education, Psychology, Social Work, and Speech Therapy.
The results obtained from the sessions where these dogs have been involved are very favorable for the children. The main benefits are:
– Children feel safe and confident because their furry listener will not judge their reading.
– They turn reading into a fun activity, where everything revolves around the dog. This stimulates the child's motivation, concentration, and imagination. Readings that are interesting, motivating, fun, and exciting are sought.
– Working with dogs helps to improve children's interaction and communication. Children develop an interest and curiosity about the world of dogs.
– During the sessions, reading aloud is practiced, which improves concentration and increases reading comprehension.
The initiative originated in the U.S. in 1999, created by Intermountain Therapy Animals (ITA). Gradually, this project expanded to other countries, reaching Spain, where they work in different autonomous communities such as Albacete, Alicante, Castellón, Galicia, La Rioja, Las Palmas, Murcia, Madrid, and Zaragoza.