Nor'wester Readers has an exhibit in one of the library show cases for the month of November 2009. Our organization hopes to work with the library and provide teams for their "Read to the Dogs" program. Be sure to stop by the library and look at the display.
The center piece of our exhibit is a miniature house which was hand built and designed by Priscilla, a friend of NWR, who donated it to us for fund-raising, in memory of her black Scottish Terrier, Fiona. THANK YOU Priscilla!
Priscilla creatively designed this house as a therapy dog academy -- where puppies and dogs go to learn how to be therapy dogs. The yard has a sandbox, swing, and a teeter-totter for those dogs who love agility.
Here is a close up of the interior. The blocks in front (which are handmade) spell DOGS READ. Dogs on the top floor enjoy bowls of treats, a wagon, fire-hydrant, pillows, and oodles of books, which are also hand created. The first floor is a typical school classroom, much like the classrooms where the Nor'wester Readers therapy dogs work with children. The rear wall is a map, and each old fashioned desk has a slate. On the right wall is a blackboard.
Along with the house, we displayed thank you cards from students, books, photographs of therapy dogs at work, one of our T-shirts, and booklets created by teachers hosting therapy dogs.
NWR WALKERS: October 1, 2009 It was overcast, brisk, and chilly, but nine handlers and their dogs met at the dam in Tyler State Park for a group walk. Afterwards we relaxed with our brown bag picnic lunches by the Neshaminy Creek. Several other handlers joined us for lunch including two potential teams. We enjoy these outings with our dogs, and it is a great time for the handlers to get to know each other and to share therapy dog experiences.
NWR Walkers gather for a group photo.
NORTHAMPTON DAYS: Sunday, September 13, 2009 Nor'wester Readers participated in Northampton Days held on the grounds of Richboro Middle School in Richboro, Pennsylvania. We had a booth manned by our volunteers and their therapy dogs, and we also marched in the parade. The dogs were a popular attraction, and we had many interested visitors. Not only did they enjoy meeting our dogs, people were impressed with the canine assisted learning work being done in the public schools.
Olivia Boyle relaxes with her dog Chase while waiting for the parade to start.
Olivia and Tommy Boyle carry our beautiful banner while Nor'wester Readers therapy dogs and handlers follow.
Debbie Glessner chats with a few visitors who stopped to meet Hannah. In the rear, from left to right, are Estelle Gurwood with Minnie, Serena Cohen with Moose, and Belinda Ash. The dog in the foreground is Blue, a black Lab mix owned by Grace Lennon.
"All creatures great and small..." Serena Cohen sits with her dog Moose and Minnie, a Shih Tzu belonging to Estelle Gurwood.
Kicho, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, owned by Carol Wagner, has a quiet moment with a young admirer.
T-SHIRTS! We have beautiful tees with the Nor'wester Readers logo printed on peri-blue shirts. If interested, contact Wendi Huttner.
COUNCIL ROCK EDUCATION FOUNDATION GRANT RECIPIENT! We submitted an application requesting funding to help support the work of Nor'wester Readers in Council Rock School District, and we were granted a sum of $500. We are so grateful to CREF for their recognition and support of our program. The funds will be used towards developing our website and building our NWR Library.
HAS ACT 48 GONE TO THE DOGS!? Debbie Glessner and Wendi Huttner offered a 3-hour Act 48 workshop called THERE'S A DOG IN MY CLASSROOM! for twelve Council Rock teachers on how to maximize the effectiveness of therapy dogs in their classrooms. It was held at Maureen Welch Elementary School in Churchville on Wednesday, August 12, 2009. We all had fun, and there was lots of sharing and lively discussion. A power point program was viewed, and the teachers had time to start researching new ideas for using their therapy dogs this coming school year. The most frequently used word on the evaluation forms was, "Inspiring!"
The center piece of our exhibit is a miniature house which was hand built and designed by Priscilla, a friend of NWR, who donated it to us for fund-raising, in memory of her black Scottish Terrier, Fiona. THANK YOU Priscilla!
Priscilla creatively designed this house as a therapy dog academy -- where puppies and dogs go to learn how to be therapy dogs. The yard has a sandbox, swing, and a teeter-totter for those dogs who love agility.
Along with the house, we displayed thank you cards from students, books, photographs of therapy dogs at work, one of our T-shirts, and booklets created by teachers hosting therapy dogs. 
NWR Walkers gather for a group photo. 
Olivia Boyle relaxes with her dog Chase while waiting for the parade to start.
Olivia and Tommy Boyle carry our beautiful banner while Nor'wester Readers therapy dogs and handlers follow. 
Debbie Glessner chats with a few visitors who stopped to meet Hannah. In the rear, from left to right, are Estelle Gurwood with Minnie, Serena Cohen with Moose, and Belinda Ash. The dog in the foreground is Blue, a black Lab mix owned by Grace Lennon.
"All creatures great and small..." Serena Cohen sits with her dog Moose and Minnie, a Shih Tzu belonging to Estelle Gurwood. 
Kicho, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, owned by Carol Wagner, has a quiet moment with a young admirer.
