Reading Adventures: Cherbourg Kids Bond with Therapy Dog Obelle!

Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, France - In Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, a heartwarming initiative is helping children discover the joy of reading in a novel way. Anne Grisel, president of the association „Mon animal m’a dit,“ and her golden retriever, Obelle, lead an engaging monthly reading workshop tailored for kids aged five and up. These sessions, which take place at the youth corner of local libraries, aim to cultivate a love for literature while also enhancing the children’s reading skills.

On May 31, 2025, the duo conducted a successful workshop at the Louis-Lansonneur site in La Glacerie. During this event, children read aloud from a selection of books for two engaging 45-minute sessions, kicking off at 10 AM, just as the library opened its doors. Obelle plays a pivotal role in this unique setup, providing a comforting presence as she listens attentively while children read stories aloud.

Guided by Gentle Rules

The framework of these readings includes careful guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Children can pet Obelle’s back, but they are instructed to refrain from touching her head or nose—areas reserved for her owner. Obelle, sporting a blue vest labeled „chien éducateur,“ effectively signals these rules to her young admirers. Fortunately, the children adhere to these instructions, which promotes a pleasant atmosphere for reading sessions.

This initiative is not just a local phenomenon; the program „Lire avec le chien“ integrates animal assistance to bolster children’s reading confidence, aligning perfectly with broader educational goals. As Respect Dogs explains, this approach takes advantage of the calming influence dogs have on children, helping them ease their fears associated with reading. It encourages a nurturing environment where children’s self-esteem can thrive while reviving their love for stories.

The Power of Animal-Assisted Education

Research underpins the effectiveness of such programs. According to studies found in PMC, animal-assisted education (AAE), particularly involving therapy dogs, has shown to foster humane values and enhance reading skills among schoolchildren. A myriad of canine-assisted read-aloud programs have gained traction over the past two decades, extending from Salt Lake City’s original Reading Education Assistance Dogs (READ) program to various countries.

Various factors have bolstered the popularity of these programs. They embody government-backed efforts to tackle the high economic toll of illiteracy, which is estimated at around USD $1.2 trillion yearly. They also appeal to parents and educational institutions eager to improve literacy rates—a crucial factor in breaking cycles of poverty.

The sessions are crafted to be manageable for community reading teams and their volunteers, requiring minimal training for handlers. Children often exhibit enjoyment when reading to dogs, as these furry companions provide a non-judgmental audience, helping to reduce reading anxiety.

The Results Speak

Empirical evidence swells in favor of these initiatives. Numerous studies show positive transformations in children’s reading motivation, confidence, and enjoyment. Notably, children who have participated in reading sessions with dogs have experienced marked improvements in their reading abilities, with reports suggesting increases in reading levels by as much as 30% in some cases.

As we prepare for the upcoming workshop on Saturday, June 28, at the Boris-Vian library, it’s clear that programs like these do much more than just promote reading skills. They create a supportive space that helps children express themselves, develop their literacy, and, importantly, enjoy the magic of stories. The laughter and companionship fostered through these interactions will likely leave a lasting impression on the children, making reading a cherished activity for years to come.