Finnegan Goes to School

Finnegan made his first school appearance when he attended John Colemon Elementary School in Smyrna, Tennessee. Finnegan was invited to celebrate READ ACROSS AMERICA activities as he visited 3 classes while he was at the school. Finnegan shared the book “Piper Finds Her Special” which is a book about his sister dog, Piper, also a Registered Therapy Animal. Together, his Trainer and owner, and author of the book, Alison Keenan, read the story of how Piper discovered her special purpose in life as a Therapy Animal working with readers. She visited schools and libraries in Tennessee to help readers individually, and in a group, become more comfortable with their reading skills. Just like Piper, Finnegan is following in his sister’s footprints as he begins the journey of sharing his love and attention with young readers. Finnegan helped the students understand just what a Therapy Animal does and how they work to build confidence with reading while reading to a dog. Finnegan loved all the attention and love he received and was even able to demonstrate how he gets his teeth brushed before every visit he makes. At the end of the day, the students were eager to read more about the adventures of Piper and to have Finnegan come to visit them again. They received bookmarks with the website and title of the book so they can learn even more about Finnegan and his future adventures! Learn how you, too, can read with a Therapy Animal!