Everybody Loves Jake

Jake might be a mix of Yellow Labrador Retriever and Basset Hound "Bassador?" but he's all ears when it comes to listening to his favorite little humans read to him.

That's because Jake is a therapy and library dog - meaning he is trained and has passed a series of tests as part of a six month course to be able to visit patients in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and kids at schools and libraries including the Henry Carter Hull Library in Clinton.

He is a registered Delta Therapy dog and resident "reading dog" at the library, says his owner Meredith Adler.

"We are actually a Delta Therapy team. That means we are authorized to visit schools, libraries, hospitals, nursing homes, etc. to cheer people up or provide "animal assisted activities,"" says Adler.

Recently, Jake and Adler visited the Joel Elementary school to visit with students with special needs.

"The children enjoyed petting Jake, walking him, giving him treats and even simply lying next to him," she says.

At the library, children read to Jake who loves all stories, especially those about other dogs or animals.

"It's a great way for the children to practice their reading skills," notes Adler. "Jake is a very mellow dog who loves children and is not easily startled."

Children's Librarian Lynn Hidek concurs and says Jake helps give the kids confidence in their reading abilities. 

"Dogs aren't judgemental," says Hidek. "They have the ability to listen and are able to give the kids a memorable experience reading out-loud."

Adler and her family, who live in Clinton, were lucky to find Jake two years ago from Labs for Rescue.

"He was about two years old when we first decided to foster him," says Adler. 

But then a funny thing happened. One of Adler's sons, who wasn't having a good day, bit the dog.

"Jake didn't react at all," said Adler. "He did nothing."

It was then that Adler decided that Jake would not only make a great pet for her family, but would be a great therapy dog due to among other attributes, his very gentle and forgiving nature.

Are you an early reader and would like to read a story to Jake? Then join other children on Tuesdays from April 26 to May 17, 4pm-5:30pm at the library. Please contact the library at 860-669-2342 to sign up for the session.

If you missed Jake at the library, you can join him and Adler at the new "Walk & Chat @ Chatfield" group.

Adler, the Parent Resource Coordinator for Tri-Town Youth Services, is starting this new, free walking group for parents and kids at Chatfield Hollow in Killingworth beginning in early April. They will meet every Friday at 9:30am through spring and summer at the main gate and walk around the loop at Chatfield Hollow. So join Jake and others and walk and chat!