Dogtopia Foundation Guides the Perlmans of Dogtopia of South Chandler Toward Milestone Revenue Numbers

Dogtopia Franchisees of the Year, Susan and Michael Perlman of Dogtopia of South Chandler, were recently profiled for their commitment to the Dogtopia Foundation. 

When the Perlmans started looking into business options beyond the corporate world, they knew they wanted to find a way to enjoy their work while becoming active members in their community. By combining their love of dogs and community, they found something that truly lit their fire and made them feel fulfilled once again.

By joining the Dogtopia family, they achieved what they were looking for along with so much more. Click here to read more about their successful journey and charitable efforts.

ESPN Will Present the Pat Tillman Award for Service to Gretchen Evans During The 2022 ESPYS Presented by Capital One on July 20 on ABC

Author, athlete, and retired Army Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans will be honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at The 2022 ESPYS, which will air live on Wednesday, July 20 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on ABC. The award is given to an individual with a strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that echoes the legacy of the former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger.

Evans is a highly decorated veteran. After suffering a life-altering injury while serving in the Army, Evans founded Team UNBROKEN, an adaptive racing team of mostly veterans who have experienced life-altering injuries, illness, or traumas to compete in World’s Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji. The non-stop, multi-day expedition competition sees teams traverse mountains, jungles and seas. The team’s creation grew out of Evans’ involvement with a number of veteran advocacy groups where she mentored and coached fellow veterans with stories that echo her own extraordinary path.

“Members of Team Unbroken have had numerous doors shut in their faces and have been told they could not participate in certain activities,” said Evans. “People saw us as broken due to our injuries, but we are not broken, we are UNBROKEN. We set out to be an example of inspiration and hope for the mixed-ability community. It is an honor to accept the Pat Tillman Award for Service, and I can only hope that this serves as an inspiration for others. We believe that disabilities do not define who you are or what you can accomplish. If members of our team can compete in the ‘World’s Toughest Race,’ other individuals with traumatic brain injuries, who are deaf, live with Type 1 diabetes, or face some other challenge of body, mind or spirit can overcome obstacles and achieve their own goals and dreams in their lives.”

After joining the Army in 1979 to help pay for her education, Evans quickly realized, as she says, military life was her calling. During her 27 years of service she worked her way up to Command Sergeant Major, the highest non-commissioned officer rank in the military. In 2006, she was deployed in Afghanistan when she was severely injured by a rocket blast, landing her in an Army hospital in Germany. When she awoke, Evans learned that she had suffered total hearing loss and a traumatic brain injury, which would end her military career. In the months to come, suffering from severe depression and PTSD, Evans struggled to find her footing, but then found a path forward through mentoring and competition.

Evans has since become a nationally known motivational speaker, and been inducted into the U.S. Army Women’s Hall of Fame and U.S. Veteran Hall of Fame – all on top of a military career that saw her win numerous medals and awards from the Bronze Star to a Presidential Unit Citation Medal, several Global War on Terrorism ribbons, and six Meritorious Service Medals.

“Gretchen Evans incurred life-changing injuries that ended her storied military career, but found strength to overcome through the help of No Barriers,” said Marie Tillman, board chair and co-founder of the Pat Tillman Foundation. “Since leaving the Army, Gretchen serves on the boards of several veterans’ and educational organizations, fundraises for MaineVet2Vet, shares her story through motivational speaking engagements through Women Veterans Speak, and authored Leading from the Front. Gretchen’s commitment to serving after service mirrors the mission of the Pat Tillman Foundation as well as Pat’s example of leadership and passion for serving others.”

The Pat Tillman Award for Service was established in 2014 to honor Tillman’s life and legacy. Evans will be presented with the award during The 2022 ESPYS in conjunction with the Pat Tillman Foundation, which unites and empowers veterans and military spouses as the next generation of leaders. Past honorees include U.S. Paralympic gold medal sled hockey player and Purple Heart recipient Josh Sweeney (2014), and former Notre Dame basketball player, Iraq war veteran and Purple Heart recipient Danielle Green (2015), U.S. Army Sgt. and Invictus Games gold medalist Elizabeth Marks (2016), and Purple Heart recipient and Invictus Games gold medalist Israel Del Toro (2017), Navy-Marine Commendation Medal recipient, Sergeant and founder of Team Rubicon Jake Wood (2018), former Marine and founder of the Kristie Ennis Foundation Kristie Ennis (2019), healthcare worker and boxing champion Kim Clavel (2020), and Manchester United football player Marcus Rashford (2021).

The ESPYS help to raise awareness and funds for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, the charity founded by ESPN and the late basketball coach Jim Valvano at the first ESPYS back in 1993. ESPN has helped raise more than $165 million for the V Foundation over the past 29 years. The ESPYS are co-produced by Full Day Productions.

ABOUT THE PAT TILLMAN FOUNDATION

In 2002, Pat Tillman proudly put his NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals on hold to serve his country. Family and friends established the Pat Tillman Foundation following Pat’s death in April 2004 while serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan. Created to honor Pat’s legacy of leadership and service, the Pat Tillman Foundation unites and empowers remarkable military veterans and spouses as the next generation of public and private sector leaders committed to service beyond self. For more information on the Pat Tillman Foundation and the impact of the Tillman Scholars, visit www.PatTillmanFoundation.org.

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Media Contacts:

Jay Jay Nesheim: [email protected]

Isabelle Lopez: [email protected]

Media Credentials:

To request credentials for The 2022 ESPYS, please apply here.

Dogtopia Foundation Renews Commitment to Employees on the Spectrum in Celebration of Autism Awareness Month

Foundation impact grows as the leading dog daycare franchise adds more locations

PHOENIX, April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — While Dogtopia, the nation’s leading dog daycare, boarding and spa franchise is helping our furry family members, the Dogtopia Foundation is helping the communities in which they’re located. In celebration of Autism Awareness Month in April, the Dogtopia Foundation is renewing its commitment to supporting employees on the autism spectrum, as well as its other key pillars of sponsoring service dogs for veterans and fostering youth literacy. Last month at Dogtopia’s annual conference, franchisees raised more than $100,000 to support the Foundation, bringing the total amount raised for the charity well over $1.2 million since 2018.

“It’s exciting to see the momentum behind the Foundation and even more exciting to consider what the future may hold,” said Dogtopia Foundation Executive Director Liz Meyers. “Our network is growing rapidly and we’re attracting franchisees who are drawn to the brand because of our Noble Cause and the Foundation’s mission ‘to enable dogs to positively change our world’ through our three pillars.”- ADVERTISEMENT -https://s.yimg.com/rq/darla/4-10-1/html/r-sf-flx.html

Since 2018, the Foundation has played a huge role in helping Dogtopia locations nationwide employ adults on the autism spectrum. This program began because there are not many career options for the nearly 100,000 teenagers with autism who enter adulthood each year. The Foundation offers an Autism Employment Guide and hosts webinars to provide franchisees with tools and resources they need to create a work environment where individuals with autism can thrive.

“As a leader in building a positive and beneficial culture, I have found that our employees on the spectrum directly reflect those values,” said Andy Knights, Dogtopia of South Chandler General Manager. “They are honest, loyal and hard-working and foster a positive environment for their teammates and our pet parents, while performing the essential duties both safely and efficiently. They are an integral part of our team.”

In addition to providing employment for adults on the autism spectrum, Dogtopia franchisees have collectively raised money to help sponsor more than 135 service dogs for veterans. This initiative is complemented by a partnership with retired Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans, who will be traveling the country to help Dogtopia franchisees raise awareness and funds for the “Dogs Save Lives” cause within their local communities. The Dogtopia Foundation also supports the work of Dr. Maggie O’Haire with Purdue University as she conducts research to uncover data-driven evidence of the benefits of service dogs for veterans with PTSD.

Finally, the Foundation supports youth literacy programs such as SitStayRead, a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that prepares volunteers and their dogs to serve as a non-judgmental and supportive audience for at-risk elementary school students and help them grow more confident and fluent in their reading.

For more information about the Dogtopia Foundation and how you can support its efforts, visit www.dogtopiafoundation.org. If you are interested in learning more about the Dogtopia franchise in general, visit www.dogtopia.com.

About Dogtopia
Founded in 2002, Dogtopia is an early pioneer and innovator in the pet services industry, offering an experience focused on wellness, quality of care, safety and transparency in the market. The ultimate destination for improving the physical and mental well-being of dogs and pet parents, Dogtopia helps our furry friends live long, healthy, and happy lives with services that address canine wellness in a holistic manner. Pet parents have the assurance of leaving their beloved furry family members in the hands of trained professionals in an environment created with the safety of dogs in mind, including an open-play environment with comfortable rubber flooring to ease joints and paws, top quality meals and snacks, as well as webcams for pet parents to check in on their pups. For more information, visit www.dogtopia.com.

About Dogtopia Foundation
The Dogtopia Foundation enables dogs to positively change our world through funding programs focused around service dogs for veterans, youth literacy programs and employment initiatives for adults with autism. The Foundation’s aim is to identify needs, fill gaps and integrate knowledge for continuous improvement in the three areas of focus. By connecting dogs with the organizations the Foundation supports, the Foundation will help returning veterans, children and adults with autism reach their full potential. To learn more, visit www.dogtopiafoundation.org

Media Contact: Brittany Karlin, Fishman Public Relations, [email protected] or 847-945-1300

Enabling Dogs to Positively Change Our World With Jerry Guinn

Enabling Dogs to Positively Change Our World with Jerry Guinn

Pet parents of Dogtopia dogs mean the world to us. In August of 2021, Dogtopia of Waco lost one of their most beloved pet parents when Jerry Guinn passed from Covid-19 Pneumonia, but he left behind a legacy that will have a lasting impact for years to come.

The Dogtopia Foundation had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Jo, his wife of 49 years, about Jerry’s life and involvement in the Air Force and his love and support for military and service dogs.

Jerry seemed to stumble into his K-9 passion. Jo told the Dogtopia Foundation, “When he was in Air Force training, one of his friends said, ‘Hey, let’s go to K-9 training!’ and so he did.”

In 1970, Jerry was stationed at the Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, where he went through basic training, security police school, patrol dog school, and combat training.

According to Jo, Lackland Airforce Base was, at the time, the main training location for Air Force soldiers and K-9s. Today, it’s the only training installation that trains K-9s.

It quickly became evident Jerry had a calling for K-9s which consumed his training and eventually his whole world. He adored the K-9s he spent time with during his nine months at Lackland Air Force Base where he trained one during patrol dog school.  Jerry was assigned his first Vietnam K9 at Cam Ranh Bay & acquired a second K9 when one of his Air Force friends completed his time in Vietnam and needed someone to take over the handling of his dog. Jerry happily obliged.

Like many military service members, Jerry frequently visited the USO where his path would eventually cross with volunteer Jo A Korndorffer.

Jo recalled the day she and Jerry met:

“I had a friend who just loved to dance, so she convinced me to go to the USO. I was a very shy person and she taught me how to dance. We’d go to the dances at the USO on Saturdays and Sundays every week. One time when we went, Jerry was there and that was how we met. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, he was there to meet another girl!”

Jerry and Jo were an inseparable match and corresponded through letters while Jerry was in Vietnam serving first as security police at Phu Cat Air Base, and then Air Base Ground Defense at Cam Ranh Bay. They married in 1972 when Jerry returned to the United States and was stationed at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas. After an honorable discharge in 1974, Jerry began a long and successful career in the food industry and focused on supporting his growing family which included a son and countless dogs and cats. 

In retirement, Jerry and Jo actively supported veterans as members of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2148 & Auxiliary. They also adopted furry family member Tippy, a Yorki-Poo who has more energy than they could have ever expected.

According to Jo, Tippy needed a place to run and play with other dogs who shared her energy level.

Dogtopia of Waco welcomed Tippy, Jerry, and Jo into their family with open arms. As Jerry and Jo began to get to know the team, they would regularly show up with treats and other goodies as a thank you for taking such good care of their pup.

“I thought it wasn’t fair to only tip the spa people, so I started bringing little goodie bags for everyone,” said Jo. “I figured at least they’d be good to her.”

Jerry and Jo were beloved by the entire team at Dogtopia of Waco, not just because of the kindness they extended to the staff, but also because of their support for the Dogtopia Foundation’s “service dog for veterans” pillar.

According to Dogtopia of Waco owner Amy Nichols, “Jerry and Jo were among the biggest supporters of the Dogtopia Foundation and made frequent donations to support our efforts to help sponsor a service dog.” 

In the summer of 2021, Jo and Jerry both fell ill to Covid-19. Jo recovered, but unfortunately her beloved Jerry lost his battle with Covid-19 Pneumonia in August of 2021 at age 70.  When Jerry passed, Jo spent time with her family deciding what to do on his behalf.

“When my kids came over to write the obituary for Jerry, I said we don’t need flowers because they’re gone in no time. We were going through all the different organizations that Jerry and I volunteer for – all having to do with Veterans. They all get so much money. I had been donating a little bit for the service dogs for veterans at Dogtopia and I said you know what, that takes care of Jerry’s career and love of animals. He started with the K-9s, and this is a good way to end in memory of him. That’s who I want to have his donation,” said Jo.

The Dogtopia Foundation was the grateful recipient of donations made by numerous friends and family members who adored Jerry. The local VFW Auxiliary, where Jo volunteers as Treasurer, also made a generous donation in honor of Jerry’s life. Because of this outpouring of support, Dogtopia of Waco and the Dogtopia Foundation had the funds to help sponsor a service dog for a returned veteran.

Jerry’s dedication to the training, well-being, and support of dogs in all settings is admirable and the Dogtopia Foundation is thankful for him, his service and the legacy he leaves behind.

To learn more about the life of Jerry Guinn, read his obituary here.

The Dogtopia Foundation would like to extend the warmest thank you to Jo Guinn for taking the time to speak about her husband. Additionally, the Dogtopia Foundation would like to thank the Dogtopia of Waco daycare located in Waco, TX, for providing an incredible experience to Tippy, Jo, and Jerry.

Interested in learning more about the Dogtopia Foundation? Click here to learn more.

Empowering Adults on the Spectrum at Dogtopia

The Dogtopia Foundation focuses on three key initiatives: Service Dogs for Returned Veterans, Children’s Education, and Employing Adults on the Spectrum. In honor of April being Autism Awareness Month, we wanted to showcase three Dogtopians dedicated to employing adults on the spectrum in their own daycares.

Three team members from different Dogtopia daycares are quoted below, stating how much of an asset it has been to employ individuals on the spectrum.

Art Prediger, Owner, Dogtopia of Dulles

“We have three employees on the spectrum, and they are huge contributors to the team. They understand the job and how to work through decisions while managing dog behaviors. They are reliable and often eager to pick up extra shifts. What I’ve really come to appreciate is how they each have a special knack for lifting the staff whenever it’s most needed. Everyone on our team loves them.”

Diane Foos, Owner, Dogtopia of Rocklin

“Employing someone on the autism spectrum is easier than you think! Our location has worked with 10 adults on the spectrum so far through internships and paid employment. Every single one of them is highly intelligent with a lot to offer, and the benefits of having them on our team are countless!”

Andy Knights, General Manager, Dogtopia of South Chandler

“As a leader in building a positive and beneficial culture, I have found that the employees on the spectrum directly reflect those values. They are honest, loyal, and hard working.  Our ASD employees create a positive environment for our clients and their teammates, while performing the essential duties both safely and efficiently.  They are an integral part of our team. “

We are committed to empowering individuals with on the spectrum to learn, grow and build their career at Dogtopia.

Dogtopia Daycare Donation Efforts Bring U.S. Marine Veteran and Canine Companion Together

The Dogtopia Foundation partnered with Next Step Service Dogs to bring together returned veteran Anthony Torres and his field golden retriever, Tillman.

Torres served as a U.S. Marine for six years. Following his years of service, he returned home and connected with Next Step Service Dogs, an organization focused on providing trained service dogs to veterans, Gina Esoldi, Program Director with Next Step Service Dogs, united Torres with Tillman and guided him through the training process.

“We meet on a weekly basis,” said Esoldi. “Once they do their formal application and enter the Next Step program, we meet two to three times a week. As soon as they leave that program, they leave to their own living situation. We meet a couple times a week until they get possession of their dog, pass their access test, and then certify.”

Many of Next Step’s dogs are career change dogs. This means they have gone through training  to be a guide dog but were unable to meet the stringent standards necessary for this level of support. 

“A lot of dogs that Next Step receives are guide dogs for the blind, career change dogs that are not suitable to serve a person with little to no vision,” said Esoldi. “However, they’re wonderful, wonderful dogs. They come to us with their basic obedience and then we task train them.”

On some occasions, as was the case with Tillman, Next Step Service Dogs receives a puppy enrolling in training to live alongside of a returned veteran. When Torres met Tillman, he knew he met the dog that was going to change his world. Although Esoldi was hesitant about Tillman’s career path with Next Step Service Dogs, Torres was up for the challenge of training a puppy.

“They give us the basic tools to reinforce their obedience,” said Torres about Next Step Service Dogs. Torres felt confident training Tillman because he knew he had a strong support system behind him.

After graduating from training, Torres and Tillman officially began life together.

“It’s night and day,” said Torres of his life with Tillman. “Being at the lowest of lows, to meeting those dogs and working at that program and then meeting Tilly; it gives you a new sense of purpose and something to focus on other than yourself.”

Tillman has  impacted Torres’s life in numerous ways. He now feels confident and plays a more active role in his community. Tillman keeps him going.

“He’s that number one spot in my life and I need to make sure he’s taken care of,” said Torres.

The Dogtopia Foundation wants to thank Next Step Service Dogs for their partnership in providing trained service dogs to returned veterans. It is through partners like Next Steps that we are enabling dogs to positively change our world.

Focusing on Wellness with the Dogtopia Foundation

October is Emotional Wellness Month. The Dogtopia Foundation considers emotional wellness to be one of the most important elements of the human experience, and a priority within our three pillars of support: service dogs for veterans, youth literacy programs; and employment initiatives for adults on the autism spectrum.  

Let’s break down our focus areas to showcase how the Dogtopia Foundation helps promote emotional wellness.   

First, the Dogtopia Foundation works alongside each of the Dogtopia daycare centers to raise funds to sponsor a dog for a returned veteran. The sponsorships help our partner organizations cover costs associated with training dogs to be loyal, hard-working and loving companions for military veterans returning home with physical and emotional challenges. Service dogs can be trained to awaken someone from a nightmare, provide a calming presence in a noisy and crowded space, turn on lights, call 911 and various other specialized tasks that can help reduce the symptoms of PTSD and gently guide the veteran to feeling more secure and confident in their daily living activities. By funding the training of these service dogs, the Dogtopia Foundation is helping to heal invisible injuries and restore emotional wellness in veterans who so bravely served our country.  

Secondly, the Dogtopia Foundation’s youth literacy pillar centers around a model that involves dedicated human and dog volunteers who provide a non-judgmental and affirming audiences as students grow their confidence and skills at reading and writing. Think about it: when you were a kid, would you rather practice skills in front of the entire class or in the presence of wiggly-tailed dog? The daunting thought of reading out loud is less stressful, and more fun when a furry friend is involved. The Dogtopia Foundation is proud to support SitStayRead, a Chicago-based organization that has been using this model to significantly improve the literacy scores for thousands of students, in kindergarten through 3^rd grade. Through this dog centric partnership, we are helping provide children with emotional strength to keep learning, practicing, and reading.  

Lastly, the Dogtopia Foundation plays a role in empowering and employing adults on the spectrum through our franchise network. Several Dogtopia locations employ individuals on the spectrum as they are very task-oriented and do well in a work environment that includes a list of to-dos in need of being completed. These individuals have warm hearts, an incredible work ethic, and an affinity for dogs. By employing adults on the spectrum, Dogtopia daycare centers are not only providing stability, but they are also allowing the other employees to learn patience, understanding, and how special those who are on the spectrum can be. Frequently, adults on the spectrum have a difficult time finding work which can lead to stress and feelings of instability. Through our “employment for adults on the spectrum pillar, the Dogtopia Foundation promotes inclusive hiring practices, and emotional wellness and stability for those who are on the spectrum. By empowering all employees to achieve great things, we can create a better culture and a better tomorrow for all. 

Emotional wellness means so much more than having a healthy state of mind. It means feeling confident in your skin, able-bodied, and strong. Through our dog-centric pillars of support, we’re doing what we can to help make a difference in the lives of so many who face challenges many of us will never fully comprehend.  

If you are interested in supporting our mission “to enable dogs to positively change our world” by making a donation, please click here.

Dogtopia Daycares Reach Milestone in National Service Dog Month

The Dogtopia Foundation is pleased to announce we have successfully collected enough donations for 100 dogs to begin the training process to become service dogs! We would not have accomplished such a monumental milestone without the love and support from our Pet Parents, Dogtopia friends & family, and people like YOU.

We also want to give a huge thank you to our partners who take in these dogs, love them like their own, and train them to become the best canine companion they can be for their future returned veteran. Our partners include: Next Step Service Dogs, K9s for Warriors, America’s Vet Dogs, Mutts with a Mission, paws4people, Patriot PAWS Service Dogs, PAWS With A Cause, NEADS, and Service Dogs, Inc.

Thank you to all who participated in helping us achieve the donations necessary to send 100 dogs to training! The Dogtopia Foundation is thrilled and is already looking forward to the next 100.

Dogtopia Foundation Making a Difference in the Lives of Returned Veterans

The Dogtopia Foundation instills three key pillars into each Dogtopia daycare center. The most prevalent pillar stands out as Service Dogs for Veterans. Through the fundraising provided by Dogtopia daycare centers hand in hand with the Dogtopia Foundation, returned veterans and service dogs are united through dedicated organizations such as Next Step Service Dogs.

Adam Bond served in the Army for four years and completed a couple years in the reserves. Upon coming home, he spent an inordinate amount of time by himself. He describes himself as a “hermit” who rarely left the house. This was when Bond was introduced to Next Step Service Dogs.

Adam Bond served in the Army for four years and completed a couple years in the reserves. Upon coming home, he spent an inordinate amount of time by himself. He describes himself as a “hermit” who rarely left the house. This was when Bond was introduced to Next Step Service Dogs.

“It has been the best decision I’ve made probably in the last 20-something years,” Bond says when thinking about his involvement with Next Step Service Dogs.

Next Step Service Dogs trains and pairs a service dog with a returned veteran to accompany and assist them in their day-to-day living. Before taking a dog home, the veteran trains and bonds with the dog in a controlled training setting. Bond participated in the training process to educate and connect with a service dog in training. Before too long, he found his match with a black lab named Sara.

“Every week, we’d be hands on working together,” said Bond when describing the 3-to-4-month training process that he and Sara went through to prepare for certification.

Bond’s life has changed immensely since being paired with Sara. He says he feels more outgoing and more willing to embark on new adventures.

“One of the first things I noticed (by having a service dog) is how much more extroverted I am and how much more I’m out of the house,” said Bond. “Before Sara, I was a hermit and now I’m out all day on the hiking trails and meeting people. It’s easier to meet people with a dog,”

Living alongside of Sara has provided Bond with a variety of new experiences and newfound confidence. With Sara by his side, Bond has started exploring his surroundings by trying new restaurants, parks, and events.

“I would hate to think where my life would be without Sara,” said Bond. “I think I’d be in a lot worse place without her in my life.”

Like so many other Veterans that have benefited from the companionship of a dedicated service dog, Bond hopes more people will take advantage of programs like Next Step Service Dogs.  

Interested in donating to the Dogtopia Foundation to support a service dog uniting with a returned veteran? Click here to donate today!

Celebrating International Literacy Day with SitStayRead

One of the three pillars of the Dogtopia Foundation is youth literacy. The Dogtopia Foundation partnered with SitStayRead, a Chicago-based organization focused on “advancing children’s literacy skills using an engaging curriculum, certified dogs, and dedicated volunteers.”

September 8^th is known as International Literacy Day and to celebrate, we spoke to SitStayRead’s Executive Directo Amy Taylor about the organization, their mission, and the importance of children’s literacy.

Q: How did you get involved with SitStayRead?

A: I was hired as the Executive Director in January 2021.  I was drawn to the mission because of the loving and inspirational way the organization approached teaching young kids how to read through dog-assisted learning.

Q: How long has SitStayRead been in action?

A: In 2003, three women active in the field of animal-assisted therapy needed a way to refocus the work of their aging dogs in a less active setting. Originally conceived as a community outreach program at Call of the Wild School for Dogs, the pilot was hosted at a local library.  The focus shifted shortly after to school settings with a specialized curriculum.  Since then, SitStayRead has served 18,800 students in 808 classrooms at 17 partner schools.

Q: Why is children’s literacy so important?

A: SitStayRead focuses on children’s literacy because it is the best way to ensure all kids have a chance to thrive in school and life. The achievement gap begins with the literacy gap, yet many children are not given the time and skills to build a foundation for reading to close the gap.  Here in Chicago, 60 percent of incoming kindergarten students are not adequately prepared in language and literacy skills upon entering school. We know this is the case for most children growing up in large urban areas. Children without the necessary literacy skills can fall behind quickly, and the consequences last a lifetime. Around third grade, the curriculum switches from focusing on learning to read to reading to learn. Children who are not reading proficiently by the fourth grade are four times less likely to graduate from high school on time — hindering their chances to live a happy, healthy, productive life.

Q: What are some of the main benefits you see by allowing children to read to dogs?

A: By bringing dogs into the classroom, we see children’s social skills positively impacted.  Some of the  most noticeable benefits we see when children read to our dogs include improved self-confidence and communication, a reduction in stress and anxiety, and increased emotional development.  By creating a positive social environment, we make the process and practice of reading both enjoyable and meaningful.

Q: How does reading to dogs boost a child’s confidence?

A: By bringing dogs into the classroom, SitStayRead immediately creates a safe and fun environment. When children read to dogs, they have a nonjudgmental reading partner ready to receive the story. Dogs provide positive affirmation to kids by listening and cuddling to ensure children feel supported.

Q: What are some of the benefits the dog receives from listening to a child read, in your opinion?

A: Dogs also receive a positive social interaction and the bond of new friends outside of their owner.  Many of our literacy volunteers share that their dogs show excitement when they approach the schools and realize they are going to see the kids.

International Literacy Day brings awareness to the importance of learning and our students’ ongoing need of support. The Dogtopia Foundation is a proud partner of SitStayRead, an organization that is doing its part to ensure a bright future for students in Chicago Public Schools.

The Dogtopia Foundation greatly appreciates Amy Taylor for taking the time to answer a few of our questions. To learn more about SitStayRead or get involved with their initiatives, click here.