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BOLIVIA, N.C. – A new pilot program in one Brunswick County school is giving students a furry, four-legged reading tutor.

The Bark for Reading Program at Bolivia Elementary School pairs students who have difficulties with reading with pet therapy dogs and their owners.

Brunswick Area Responsible K-9 Owners club, also known as B.A.R.K, facilitates the program.

"I feel safe and I think it helps me do better," said Samantha Jordan, a third grader.

Jordan is one of about 20 students at Bolivia Elementary taking part in the Bark for Reading Pilot Program.

Reading volunteers help the students with things like vocabulary and comprehension.

"A lot of words I didn't know how to spell before and now I do," said Alex Fleming, a third grader.

"If I don't know words they help me on the words," said Richard Fernandes, also a third grader.

"A lot of times when you're tutoring children to read they are not so excited, it's work, it's hard, it's frustrating but with the dog it's distracting, it's fun, it's rewarding for them to have the dog want to interact with them," said Constance Brown, a volunteer.

It's a judgment-free zone and teachers said in just three months they're already seeing the students improve.

"Dogs don't correct them, they're just a nice, cuddly, warm being there to listen while they learn," said Debby Johnson, a teacher. "Now they can sit down and more calmly do their work because they're more comfortable."

And while there are similar programs throughout the state and even the country, B.A.R.K
Founder Loretta Pyeatt said their dogs and owners set their program apart.

The dogs and their owners go through extensive obedience training and many of the volunteers are former educators.

"So they really understand the needs of the children and how to best serve the kids," said Pyeatt.

Canines for Literacy offers a similar program at another school in Brunswick County.

Pyeatt said in the near future they'll start the program in two others school in the County.

If you are a dog owner and are interested in volunteering your time to the program, visit the website here.
NOTE: PUT UNDER SEARCH FOR BARK FOR READING.