Reading aloud to a dog can be a great way to boost confidence and joy with readers.

Many years back, I wondered what would happen if children wrote with a dog. And that’s how I started volunteering with Colby at 826michigan, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6 to 18 with their writing. We’ve been doing it for years, and the furry one works wonders.

Writers were busy at 826 for Valentine’s Day. Colby and I were happy to present Valenpup Poems where children played with language, crafting poems and letters to their loved ones.

In honor of 826’s Love Hangover, an annual fund-raising event (for adults), we humbly submit a slideshow of Colby’s young Valentine writers at work. It always surprises me, watching how service dogs connect with people. Sure, Colby can turn on the lights and pick up my keys when I drop them, but she can also motivate a writer with a short petting spree or with a wag and a nudge.

Mary Roderique leads a Canine Assistants' National Volunteer program, Noah's Team of Ann Arbor with her dog, Colby. She also works as a Writing Workshop Consultant for teachers in Michigan and Indiana. Colby Roderique works as a Canine Assistant Special Educator and insists that it is she, not Mary, that leads Noah’s Team of Ann Arbor. She also enjoys volunteering at 826 Michigan. Colby is available to present about service dogs to schools, businesses, places of worship, and community organizations.