For a dog named Sting, there is nothing better than spending time with people. He loves to work with humans so much that he is a therapy dog. However, he recently tried to lend an ear to visitors to a library, but the saddest thing happened: no one came. Sting is an avid volunteer for a program called “Paws to Read” at the White Bear Lake library located in Minnesota. He spends his time at the library working with children between the ages of 4 and 8 to help them feel more comfortable reading out loud. Sting simply rests calmly on the ground next to the children and listens as they read stories for him. But last week, something terrible happened: no one came to read to Sting.
Sting’s owner, a man named John Muellner says the month of February tends to be slow for the reading program because it is cold outside and there tends to be bad weather. However, he hoped that some young, excited readers would show up anyway. John knew no one had signed up, but he and Sting headed to the library anyway, hoping to find some kids to read to the dog. Poor Sting was so sad when no one came to read to him, said John.
So, John took some photos of Sting and posted the following on Facebook:
“Unfortunately nobody signed up to read to Sting at the White Bear Lake library tonight. If you know of a 4 to 8yr old who would like to read to a dog. Please contact the White Bear Lake library by phone or their website about the Paws to Read program. Sting will be there Feb 21st 6:30 – 7:30.”
The post quickly went viral, with tens of thousands of people liking, sharing, and commenting on the post from all over the country. Better yet, all that attention means Sting is happy again because his schedule is now completely booked for several months with young readers who can’t wait to sit quietly with him and read a good book .
