Teacher’s Book Follows Hungry Pooch

WOODBINE – Ruger, a 97 pound Giant Schnauzer, gives new meaning to the term “devouring” a book. And his penchant for eating the written page, along with flowers and cakes, has made way for a book written all about him.
“Read with Ruger,” is the first book written by Woodbine Elementary School math teacher Margaret Benson. It’s also the first book illustrated by eighth grade student Eliezer Torres.
The book, which is in the process of being published, leads readers through the adventures of Ruger and his friend, Sammi. Geared toward first and second grade level readers, the colorful pages take children along a day in the life of the personable pooch as he eats his way through a day.
Children at Woodbine Elementary School were treated to the book’s debut, along with Ruger’s debut visit to the school.
Benson explained that Ruger is in the process of learning to be a reading dog. March 8 was his first foray into a school setting. From the look of it, Ruger was born to teach.
“He’s a work in progress,” said Benson as she held the leash. While students were learning to read with Ruger, Ruger was learning one of the first lessons of being in school – sitting still.
According to Benson she decided the dog was born to be around children when she watched him interact with her five-year-old granddaughter, Sammi.
Ruger seemed to take to being around Sammi, who has Down syndrome.
“I thought he’d be a good therapy dog,” said Benson. To that end, Ruger has been working to obtaining his official therapy dog status. Once he obtains that certification, Benson hopes Ruger “specializes” by becoming a reading therapy dog.
“Research shows children are more relaxed when they read to a dog,” said Benson.
The book, from concept to final product, took Benson and Torres three months. Benson self-published the book.
According to the 13-year-old Torres, while his teacher worked in words, he worked in colored pencil to make the illustrations of Ruger and friends pop from the pages.
Torres said he is looking forward to a career as an illustrator. More urgent, however, is the eighth-grader’s selection of a high school. He’s been eyeing the county technical high school for its art program.
School librarian Judy Casper shared that Torres came to the district four years ago from Puerto. “And his academics are just as good as his art,” she said.
As the school day came to a close, it was time for Ruger to pack up his pillow and head home where his two Westie “sisters,” Maggie and Lucy awaited him. With a doggone perfect day for play outside, it was time to think about Ruger’s next book.
“I think we’ll probably do a “Ruger Goes to the Beach” book, said Benson.