“Watching students progress in their reading throughout the year, seeing some overcome their fear of dogs and begin to love them...it’s all been such a gift.” —Ashley Mason
The 2025-26 school year is well underway, which means Hand in Paw Therapy Teams are once again heading into classrooms with an extra-special mission: helping children discover the joy of reading through our Sit, Stay, Read! program.
Each week, students are paired with a Therapy Team that listens patiently as they read aloud. The simple presence of a calm, friendly animal creates a safe space where children gain confidence, strengthen literacy skills, and, most importantly, learn that reading can be fun.
Ashley Mason, who volunteers with her dog, Abby, said, “Sit, Stay, Read! has brought me so much joy. Watching students progress in their reading throughout the year, seeing some overcome their fear of dogs and begin to love them, building bonds between students and the dogs, and witnessing a child completely light up just by being near them...it’s all been such a gift.”
Stephanie Stoltzner, Hand in Paw’s Volunteer and Programs Director, agrees. “Sit, Stay, Read! is one of our most beloved programs because it nurtures both academic and emotional growth.”
“Students in the program feel encouraged and more confident, often forming meaningful, lasting connections with Therapy Teams,” Stoltzner explains. “Together we create a positive learning environment that extends far beyond the classroom.”
This fall, Sit, Stay, Read! Teams return to classrooms across Central Alabama and Tuscaloosa, each visit sparking smiles, turning pages, and inspiring young readers to keep learning.
“I have stories that still bring tears to my eyes as I share them,” Ashley says.
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