Sacramento's Secret Weapon for Summer Reading: Therapy Dogs at the Carmichael Library

Summer reading loss is real. Every year, kids take a break from school and their reading skills start to slip. Sacramento’s Carmichael Library tackled this problem in an unexpected way: they brought in therapy dogs. The“Read to a Dog”program, running for nearly two decades, pairs children with calm, trained canine companions who listen without judgment. A UC Davis study found that kids who read to dogs improve their reading fluency by 30 percent compared to traditional reading instruction. The science makes sense: dogs don’t judge mispronounced words, don’t show frustration when a child stumbles, and don’t create the performance anxiety that human audiences sometimes do.

What makes this program truly special is the multi-generational impact. Volunteers like 88-year-old Arnie Wildfeuer bring their therapy dogs weekly, creating meaningful intergenerational connections while helping kids build confidence. Parents report that their struggling readers suddenly want to practice when they know a dog is waiting for them. Librarian Kathy Chain emphasizes that beyond the cuteness factor, they’re developing genuine reader confidence. Kids walk away knowing they can do this, and that shift in mindset often sticks with them long after the summer ends.

If you’re looking for a free, fun, and genuinely effective summer activity in Sacramento, the Carmichael Library’s program is worth checking out. Whether your child is a reluctant reader or just needs summer enrichment, reading to a dog might be exactly the motivation they need. Has your child ever had a breakthrough moment with reading or learning? Share your story in the comments below.