Sit. Stay. Read.

DENNIS ODA / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Suzi, a therapy dog from Tripler Hospital, seems intrigued by the pictures in a book being read by 6-year-old Caleb Hagemaster. Caleb is participating in a program at Sgt. Yano Library on Schofield Barracks that pairs service dogs-in-training with children who need help reading.

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Six-year-old Caleb Hagemaster read "Spot Goes to School" to Suzi and appreciated her undivided attention.

Suzi is not a family member or friend — she's a service dog participating in the R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) program sponsored by Hawaii Fi-Do, an agency that trains assistance dogs to provide physical, psychological and therapeutic support for people with disabilities.

"I like that the dogs listen when you read," Caleb said. "She was really nice."

The program represents a win-win situation for both reader and animal. Caleb's father, Andrew, said the family already reads a lot at home. The big difference, he said, is that "dogs don't correct their reading."

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