ATHENS, GA  —  Teachers and reading tutors watch out! There’s a new dog in town, literally. Reporter Lauren McCleer tells you just how therapy dogs like Darla are helping kids improve their reading skills.

“Tail Waggin’ Tutors” program lets students practice and improve their reading skills. Kids sit down with therapy dogs and read out loud to them. Many of the kids who participate in the program struggle with reading and consequently have self-esteem issues. But, therapy dogs like Darla Jean aim to change that.

Darla’s handler Cathy Green says the program is great because the dogs don’t care about the kids’ reading levels and the kids are able to practice reading in a judgement-free zone.

“Tail Waggin’ Tutors” program is available through several local libraries like Winder Library in Barrow County. The program is nationally run and is powered by Therapy Dogs International.