Finnegan has returned to Marshall District Library on the first Wednesday of the month, from 6:30-7:30 pm! Finnegan (“Finn”) is a two year old golden retriever and Certified Therapy dog. Anyone interested in having a “pawsitive” reading experience with Finnegan is welcome to call the Youth Services Desk at 781.7821.15, to register. Ten minute time slots are available now!
Finn began his career training as a therapy dog when he was just four months old by working daily at Walters and Hughes Elementary Schools, with his owner and Marshall Public Schools counselor, Pam McCann. He earned his certification at the age of one year old after numerous obedience classes, hours spent in contact with children and adults, and meeting a list of strict criteria. He loves going to school where he not only provides comfort, but is a wonderful listener to children as they read. As part of “Finnegan’s Reading Club,” Finnegan listened to every first grader in both schools read a picture book to him. They had their picture taken with Finn, and received a Reading Club Membership certificate to celebrate the joy of learning to read. Finn is certified by the Foundation for Pet-Provided Therapy as part of their Love On A Leash Program.
Award winning author and dog obedience instructor, Liz Palika began to introduce the idea of pet provided therapy in California during the early ‘80s. She created Love on a Leash in 1984. As requests grew for pet visits to various organizations, this organization was incorporated in 1995 as The Foundation for Pet-Provided Therapy (FPPT). Providing comfort and joy, generating smiles and memories are some of the goals that therapy animals strive to meet. Currently, there are over 900 members in 28 states. For more information about Love on a Leash visit www.loveonaleash.org.
Finnegan resides with Pam and John McCann of Marshall. They will accompany Finn during his library program.
Loveable Finnegan is looking forward to meeting readers of any age. So grab a book and come read! TheMarshall District Library, serving the populations of Eckford, Fredonia, Marshall, and Marengo Townships, and the city of Marshall, is located at 124 West Green Street. For more information about this program call 781.7821, ext. 15, or visit on the web at www.marshalldistrictlibrary.org.
