Courtesy Photo
Olivia and Hazel Zweig present their certificate for completing the Kitty Literacy Project, which teams up readers with cats at the local animal shelter.
There are so many special things that make this community unique. One of them is the progressive reading programs Fayetteville Public Library has launched to get kids excited about reading.
Cat Tales: The Kitty Literacy Project
Cat Tales pairs emerging readers with a shelter feline for some quality reading time. This program benefits both the child and the shelter kitty. The reader is gaining confidence and perfecting their reading skills, and the kitty is getting out of his cage for some one-on-one time and socialization.
The program currently has open spots available and students in grades K-5 are eligible to participate. The program is 30 minutes a week for 6 weeks and takes place at the Fayetteville Animal Shelter. The reading times are 2:30-4pm Monday-Friday. Interested students can sign up at the Children’s Library Desk.
Sit-Stay-Read
Sit-Stay-Read is an outreach program within the Fayetteville Public Schools. Certified therapy dogs are assigned to a particular school and spend time each week with students who need extra help with reading. Sit-Stay-Read also offered a 6 week program open to all young readers at the library however this has been suspended due to a shortage of volunteers with certified therapy dogs. It will be reinstated once more teams are available to read with the children.
Stay tuned because next month we will explore exactly what a ‘therapy dog’ is and how you and your dog can become a certified team.
October happenings:
Washington Co. Animal Shelter will have a special adoption event on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Specials include 1/2 price adoptions, free hotdogs and giveaways! 801 W Clydesdale Dr., Fayetteville.
Sassafras Springs Vineyards will host a Blessing of the Animals & Family Play Day Sunday, Oct 4 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Bring your pet and have them blessed in a sweet and sentimental ceremony at the Chapel Ruins (must be leashed or carrier). This event is open to all ages and families are invited. Other activities include music, caricature drawings and food and drinks specials. 10% food and drink sales will be donated to the Humane Society of the Ozarks. 6461 E Guy Terry Rd., Springdale.
Equestrian Bridges presents Paws for a Purpose Saturday, Oct. 10 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $15 for adults, $10 children-Dogs Welcome! Hayrides, Bobbing for Apples, pumpkin painting, hot dogs, pony rides, pet costume contest, and fun walk. Register online at www.eventbrite.com
Nomad’s Music Lounge Pups on the Patio happens Saturday, Oct. 10 from 11:30am until 4 p.m. Special menu items include $2 Dog Smoothies, $2 Chicken Sno-Cones, $3 Treat Platter, in addition to their full food menu and craft beer selections. 10% of all sales to the Washington Co. Animal Shelter. Adoptable dogs will be available. 1431 S School, Fayetteville.
Meet your new BFF at the Co-Op Canine Adoption Day on Saturday, Oct. 17 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
at Ozark Electric Cooperative at 3641 Wedington Dr. in Fayetteville. FREE adoptions, $20 microchipping and OEC will also be hosting a Pet Supply Drive for the WCAS. Visit www.ozarksecc.com/canine for more details.
Dog Party USA’s annual Halloween Party is set for Saturday, Oct. 17th at 5:30 p.m. This year’s theme is Fairy Tales and Diamonds. Bring your dog, come in costumes and have enjoy food, music, prizes and fun! Free! 912 Maestri Rd. Springdale.
50 Shades of Stray benefiting Animal League of Washington County is taking place Thursday, Oct 29 7p.m. to 10 p.m. at Pratt Place Barn. Light fare, drinks, silent auction and music by David Starr and Ben Harris. $50/person. Purchase tickets at www.animalleagueofwashingtoncounty.org or call 479-263-7058
Come join the fun at Bark N Paw’s annual Dog Costume Party Friday, Oct. 30 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will be pizza and drinks for people and costume prizes and treats for the pups! 1267 Steamboat Dr. Fayetteville.
Till next time, stay furry my friends.
xoxo Dirk and Stepanie
