Mrs. Rose Sneeringer’s sixth-grade class at West Reading Elementary Center was in for a special treat when Mrs. Susan Brombacher brought her therapy dog Clara in for a visit. Clara, a
nine-year old Tibetan spaniel, helped teach the important differences between therapy dogs and service dogs.
Students waited on the edge of their seats for Clara and Mrs. Brombacher to arrive. They were working on writing informational pieces on therapy dogs, who bring comfort to people in need.
During Clara’s visit, students learned everything about the black and tan pooch, asking Mrs. Brombacher questions they had researched. She explained the requirements to become a therapy dog, including having a patient and kind disposition and being a quick learner. Mrs. Brombacher shared that Clara’s weekly schedule included visits to local hospitals, where Clara brightens the days of patients and staff members. At the end of the question and answer session, each student had the opportunity to meet Clara and give her a pat on the head.
“Some students are reluctant writers,” explains Mrs. Sneeringer. “If you can find a topic they are passionate about or connect them to a shared experience, it can truly ignite their passion for writing.”
Sixth-grade student Lily Caldwell says, “It was cool how Mrs. Brombacher talked about the differences and similarities of therapy dogs and service dogs.”
The District would like to thank Clara and Mrs. Brombacher for visiting students, and for creating a learning experience they will never forget.