‘Moose! The Reading Dog’ book released

ALAMOSA — “Moose! The Reading Dog” by mother and daughter Laura Bruneau and Beverly Timmons was released on March 15 by Purdue University Press.

“Moose! The Reading Dog” tells the real-life story of a specialized therapy dog who helps children overcome learning challenges pertaining to reading. The book highlights a growing trend in education. As students are learning to read, many are insecure, but registered therapy dogs, like Moose, allow these students to feel calm when reading aloud to him. This is because of his non-judgmental personality. Therapy dogs are extremely effective for struggling students’ ability and desire to read which is integral to their success.

“Moose! The Reading Dog” brings light to the positive impact of the human-animal bond.

“Moose, by his canine nature, draws kids of all reading levels,” states Becky Steenburg, the children’s librarian at Alamosa Public Library. “There is a such a sense of joy and wonder that transcends the work of reading. Each child seems to feel as though it is only they who give something special to Moose, and they don’t mind taking turns with other children.”

Moose, and his owner, Laura Bruneau, have been providing animal-assisted interventions in the community of Alamosa since registering with Pet Partners in 2011.

Moose will be at the Alamosa library this week from 3-5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 2. To sign up, please call the library at 719-589-6592.

“I have always loved telling Moose’s story as I think it’s a great example of fate,” Bruneau said. “One part of his story that we didn’t include in the book is that Moose was almost euthanized the day before we adopted him, but a shelter worker found him an emergency foster home. When I think of all the joy that Moose has brought children, I am so grateful that he had a chance to prove what he could do!”

Moose is a 115-pound male dog of mixed breed. He was adopted in 2009 by Bruneau and Michael Wermes. A happy, free-spirited dog, Moose loves to hike in the mountains and chase squirrels in his backyard. He is a very calm, friendly dog. Everyone simply loves him.

Bruneau has coauthored several publications pertaining to animal-assisted interventions in counseling, making “Moose! The Reading Dog” near to her heart. Bruneau is a professor at Adams State University in the Department of Counselor Education.

Beverly Timmons is a professor emeritus at Kent State University in the Department of Teaching, Curriculum, and Leadership Studies. Timmons adds her expertise about reading which comes from her experience in developing balanced, effective literacy programs for children and teachers.

The book is available for purchase at the Purdue University Press’ website for $12.99, and through all major booksellers.

Purdue University Press has been dedicated since 1960 to providing quality resources in several key areas including business, technology, health, veterinary sciences, and other selected disciplines in the humanities and sciences. To learn more, please visit www.thepress.purdue.edu.