Dog Walk, Family Fair to Benefit Local Learning Program

Nor’Wester Readers, a canine assisted learning program that works in area school districts including Council Rock, will host its annual family dog walk May 5 at Tyler State Park.

Proceeds from the event will be used to grow the organization so more therapy dog teams can be placed in public and private school classrooms, according to event organizers.

Along with a three-mile and half-mile mini walk, the event will feature vendors, raffles, face painting, a professional pet and family photographer, a moonbounce, dancing dogs performances, an entertaining dog contest, horse drawn wagon rides provided by A Better Way Farm Belgians and more.

All walkers are welcomed, with or without a dog. The cost to participate is $15 per person, $25 for a parent and child and $50 for a family. Participants should enter the park by the Arts Center.

Nor’Wester Readers has been providing services in the Council Rock School District since 2007. The organization, based in Richboro, also works at The Center School in Abington, Bensalem Township School District, Council Rock School District, New Hope Solebury School District, Olney Charter High School and Pennsbury School District.

The program places dogs and their handlers into the classroom to foster motivation, student confidence and a love of learning. The goal is to enhance learning so students fully realize their potential and experience a stress-free environment that increases self-esteem and confidence, according to the organization. 

A variety of breeds participate as therapy dogs, including labs, golden retrievers, collies and Bernese mountain dogs. 

Now in its sixth year of service, Nor’wester Readers’ therapy dog teams have worked in regular education classrooms, learning support, social and emotional support, autistic support, multiple disabilities, life skills, with guidance counselors, with at-risk teens and in crisis intervention.

The event will also include Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog testing. Contact Melinda Berger at 215-906-9229 for details. Advance reservations need to be made for testing.

Click here to view the event website.

Individuals wishing to support the organization but are unable to participate in the walk can be “virtual walkers” by donating via the link at the top of the website.