The statistics about reading are quite daunting. The American Library Association estimates that there are 27 million functionally illiterate adults in the United States. The national "American Reads" program notes that 40% of fourth graders read below their grade level, and that children who don’t master reading by the third grade risk falling further behind.

In libraries, we measure success by the kids’ enthusiasm and attendance. If they love it, they keep signing up for R.E.A.D. sessions again and again. That’s one reason why we do once a month sessions. It becomes a special event that is looked forward to.

The five libraries in the southern Denver areas that R.E.A.D. serves always has a waiting list for children who want to "read to the dogs".

In schools, we look at the test scores of the kids who are participating. We figure it’s the most credible if we go with the school’s own testing instruments. We have a form for pre and post test scores that is filled out by the participating teachers. All of the schools that we have worked with are happy to cooperate with our data-gathering. We just use first names in our records.

R.E.A.D. serves quite a few schools in the Denver Suburbs, and one in Pueblo. They all have requested the R.E.A.D. program to continue. We have noted reading scores improve as well as hygiene, attendance, improved self-confidence and in some instances improved behaviors.

R.E.A.D. has been a media sensation, which as prompted inquiries from teachers, librarians and other organizations worldwide, including Canada, Israel, Japan and Singapore. Reading with dogs programs are now popping up in schools and libraries all over the county. The R.E.A.D. program is definitely an idea whose time has come.