Dog Makes Reading ‘Fun’-damental

CREST HAVEN — Students at Ocean Academy know that it’s going to be a day of readin’, ‘ritin’, ‘rithmetic – and retrievers, when Nelson comes to school.
Nelson, a two-year-old chocolate Labrador Retriever, accompanied by his owner/handler John Watson, spends several days each week at the school as a therapy dog.
Part of Nelson’s job is to “listen” to students reading aloud to him. While other dogs may boast being best bred, Nelson, a purebred Lab is, paws down, the best read.
Students in Kathy Filippo’s classroom spent part of their visit to the school’s media center selecting books to read.
“They are comforted by his presence,” said Filippo when asked about Nelson’s impact on her class. “They look forward to him coming.”
Five-year-old Kiyanna shared the pictures in her Mickey Mouse book with Nelson.
According to Media Specialist Amy Hufana, having Nelson come to the library each week is adds a special facet to reading.
“Sometimes he just hangs out with them,” she said. “But the main goal is to have the kids read to him.”
The pooch’s personality seems perfectly suited for the position.
Prior to becoming a therapy dog, Nelson had a lot of learning to do on his own. According to Watson the pair participated in 18 weeks of basic, intermediate and advanced training and additional training to obtain his American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Award as well as his certification as a pet therapy dog. Watson, of North Cape May, and Nelson are now members of Leashes of Love, a therapy pet organization located in Cherry Hill.
“We got Nelson as a puppy,” said Watson. “And he was very, very mellow. My wife said I should do something with the dog.”
Retired from the Air Force Security Forces, full time Air National Guard, Watson jumped at the chance to train with his dog to become a therapy team.
The Watson-Nelson team came to Ocean Academy at the suggestion of a faculty member.
“We wound up here because I know a teacher, and he suggested I contact the school to see if there was an interest.”
The school has two other dogs in the building, but Nelson is the only dog that travels from classroom to classroom.
According to Watson a therapy dog normally works about an hour. Nelson, however, works 3 days a week for approximately 7 – 8 hours. He is paid in hugs, kisses and lots of pet treats.
“He has a good time,” said Watson. “He’s a rock star here.”
During his off time Nelson is just a regular pooch. At home he plays with his older sister (a black Lab), swims and goes to the beach. While Nelson can sit, stay and high five on command while at work, he also has a propensity to chew boxes of tissues and food containers during the night.
“We put the remotes away at night,” said a smiling Watson.
Leashes of Love is currently looking for owners and their animals to become therapy pets. With 75 teams on its roster, the organization is seeking more so that it can further address the needs of the community.
“There are a lot of people in nursing homes and assisted living facilities in this area who don’t get visitors,” said Watson. “So for a lot of these people, (the therapy team) is the only visitors they get.”
There is also a return for the human member of the team, according to Watson.
“It’s a good thing to volunteer,” he said. “It not only brings happiness to patients, residents and kids, but it’s good therapy for me to do something positive with the animal.”
Nelson, with a constantly wagging tail, seemed be in total agreement.
Anyone interested in becoming a therapy team with their pet is encouraged to contact Watson by calling 609-972-3253 or by emailing skycop2913@comcast.net.