By Riley Fontana
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The Westwood Public Library (WPL) concluded its "Dog Days of Summer" events on August 16. This event had been held earlier in the summer in July. The library extended invitations to therapy dogs, creating an opportunity for patrons to unwind and engage with the dogs. These gatherings provide an excellent avenue for relaxation and social interaction, while also offering children a chance to practice positive dog-related behavior.
The event featured two dogs: Parker, a cream retriever, and Parker, a Bernese mountain dog and poodle mix. Both dogs exhibited enthusiasm in meeting new people and receiving affection from the library's visitors. Throughout the event, the dogs were taken on brief walks, enabling everyone to greet them.
The two Parkers were particularly active in the children's section, engaging with and playing alongside the young attendees. This occasion marked the first experience with dogs for many of the children present, and the interactions proceeded exceptionally well. Thanks to the dogs' training, their demeanor remained calm and gentle during each interaction, proving to be ideal companions for young kids.
The retriever, Parker, frequently chose to lie down with his head resting on the laps of the children around him. His gentle disposition and willingness to accept attention endeared him to all. The Bernese poodle mix, Parker, focused more on interacting with the adults. Both dogs fostered a welcoming and affectionate environment within the library.
The Westwood Library collaborates with therapy dogs for several programs, including the well-received "Read to a Dog" initiative. These programs offer valuable opportunities for introducing children to composed and gentle dogs, as well as providing individuals with the chance to relax and engage with the animals. All dogs brought to the library hold certifications as trained therapy animals, making them exceptional additions to the library's offerings.
