Frequently Asked Questions

Can I come to observe DEAR before joining?
Yes! We encourage you to stop by and see how we work. The teams meet outside the library (on the west side/Kimbark Street) about 15 minutes before DEAR starts. That would be a good time to pop in and meet a few teams and ask questions. And you can come inside with us to watch the dogs at work.

We do ask that you leave your dog at home for the observation. If you decide to join DEAR, we will set up a special walkthrough for your dog to explore the library on their own before joining the rest of the teams on DEAR day.

What are the ages of the children who attend DEAR?
Children typically range in age from around 3 to 10. For those who aren't ready to read, an older sibling or parent often reads to them.

How many children typically attend DEAR?
We can have anywhere from 5 to 40 kids. We usually have around 20 kids on DEAR day.

Do I need any teaching skills or a background in education?
Nope. We simply encourage the children to read and help them when they ask. For example, some children might ask how a word is pronounced or what a word means. They are reading from children's books selected from the library collection, so you will not encounter anything difficult.

What should I do to prepare for DEAR day?
We make sure our dogs are clean and healthy before we arrive. Active dogs may need extra exercise that morning to help them be calm while children read.

What if my dog is sick or injured after I have RSVP'd?
Please notify the coordinator that you won't be able to attend. We don't participate if our dog is sick or injured. Our first job is to take care of, manage, and protect the dog and the children. Our second job is the therapy visit. The former always overrides the latter.

What if I am sick or injured after I have RSVP'd?
Please notify the coordinator. If you are ill, you won't be able to attend. If you are injured, please discuss with the coordinator and decide together whether it is safe for you and your dog to attend.