A program where children build their confidence by reading to dogs is looking for volunteers.

Literacy Ffr Life's Dog Tales program is hosting auditions at the Okotoks Public Library where they'll carefully select dogs for the initiative that visits local schools and libraries.

Bonnie Chant- Kinsman, group facilitator for Literacy for Life, says the dogs go through a screening process before they can be part of the program.

"The screener checks the dogs over to see if they're comfortable being with people, he runs his hands around their body, talks to the owners, then makes a judgment whether they're suitable for Dog Tales," she says. "Then I have a child who comes on screening day who just reads to each dog for a couple of minutes to see if it works."

Owners are required to have a police check which is facilitated though Literacy For Life.

Chant- Kinsman says the program has been successful with children.

"We have incredible success stories with kids who don't enjoy reading at all or don't enjoy reading out loud. It doesn't take long before they realize the dog isn't going to judge them and once they understand there's no judgement, the dog is never going to correct them, then sometimes it gives them confidence they don't have enough of."

Dog Tales serves Turnery Valley School, Longview School, Spitzee School, Blackie School, and Big Rock, Dr. Morris Gibson, and Ecole Good Shepherd School in Okotoks.

School reading sessions can range from Mon- Fri at different hours. Sessions at the High River Library take place Monday nights from 6- 7 p.m. and the Okotoks Public Library on Wednesdays from 6- 7 p.m.

The auditions take place June 20 at the Okotoks Public Library at 6- 6:45 p.m. or 7- 7:45 p.m.

To register call (403) 617- 8811 or email b.chant-kinsman@litforlife.com.

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