'Paws for Smiles' helps students

FALLBROOK — Love on a Leash’s “Paws for Smiles” team works with kindergarten, second- and third-graders at St. Peter’s School. When the children listen to stories, or read to the dogs, their attention spans, comprehension skills and reading and speaking abilities all improve.

In some ways it’s like seeing a miracle happening. The children just love the dogs and the dogs return the love with wagging tails, big flashy grins, kisses on the cheeks, handshakes, and even some “high-fives” in their gratitude.

The staff likes the way the children respond to the dogs and stories with such eagerness and enthusiasm. Everybody seems to have a good time and, as always, when all are enjoying themselves the time just goes by too quickly.

The librarians, teachers and especially the principal have been very appreciative of the visits. And if a therapy visit is missed, it’s like a national disaster.

Needless to say, the volunteers and the dogs don’t want to miss a day of bringing happiness to these young children, so they thank St. Peter’s for giving Paws for Smiles the wonderful opportunity to be of service to their community.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer in the Love on a Leash therapy program may contact Nancy Makowski, Fallbrook/Temecula Chapter Leader of Paws for Smiles, at (951) 302-6757.