Children who were part of the very first Australian-run program celebrated with an end of year “pawty” party at Nowra Library on Thursday afternoon.

Reading buddy, Beau, showed his support giving a friendly wag of the tail and a big kiss to each of the students who read to him throughout the year.

This year’s participants: Isabella Alamango, Oberon Fisher, Mark Hodges, William Hodgkins, Joanna Swanepoel and Connor Stevens were congratulated on their progress with a book prize and a word of encouragement from Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis.

Beatrice and Liam De Silva, Jessica and Sean Harris were also congratulated on their participation during the year, however couldn’t make the presentation.

After the presentation children and their families were invited to stay for afternoon tea and a celebratory cake.

The program is designed for children between four and eight years of age. It  aims to improve participants’ reading and communication skills by having them read to an animal, in this case a very patient, kind, cuddly dog from the Paws Pet Therapy group.

The program will kick off again in the New Year and will continue to instil a love of reading in children while overcoming literacy barriers in a comfortable, fun environment.

Due to the great success of this year’s trial program the Paws and Tales team will kick off again next year and will be expanding the support group to Ulladulla and Sanctuary Point. 

The Paws ‘n’ Tales team is also searching for volunteers to join next year with their dogs. Anyone interested in volunteering in the program should contact Sharon Stewart on 0418 869 181 or email Sharon.paws@hotmail.com.

Those interested in having their children participate in the 10 week reading program can contact the Nowra Library on 4429 3712 or email decastic@shoalhaven.news.gov.au to secure a spot.

For more information on Paws ‘n’ Tales Pet Therapy visit the website www.pawspettherapy.com.