In this episode, Killian speaks with Orlagh McCarthy, CEO of Reading Dogs Ireland, about the unique program that trains therapy dogs to help children improve their reading skills. The conversation explores the journey of Orlagh, the impact of therapy dogs on children's literacy and emotional well-being, the selection and training process for therapy dogs, and the importance of prioritising the welfare of the dogs involved. Orlagh shares insights on how schools can get involved and the future growth of the program, emphasising the joy and companionship that dogs bring to children's lives.

Find out more about Reading Dogs Ireland :

Instagram: @readingdogsireland

Facebook: @ReadingDogsIreland

Contact form for volunteers and schools

Find out more about Ruby Reese:

Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial

Website: www.ruby-reese.com

Find out more about dognutrition.ie:

Instagram: @dognutrition.ie

Website: dognutrition.ie

Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Reading Dogs Ireland

03:43 The Impact of Therapy Dogs on Children's Literacy

06:46 The Journey of Orlagh McCarthy

09:45 Understanding the Role of Therapy Dogs

13:04 Selecting the Right Dog for the Program

15:51 Training and Assessment of Therapy Dogs

19:04 The Importance of Dog Welfare in Therapy Programs

27:55 The Joy of Learning and the Challenge of Home

29:32 Prioritising Dog Welfare in Training

31:09 Emotional and Mental Health of Dogs

33:03 The Dog's Choice: Training and School Visits

35:23 Empathy and Advocacy for Dogs

37:30 Educating Children About Dog Interaction

38:19 How Schools Get Involved

40:40 Becoming a Therapy Dog: First Steps

44:34 The Future of Therapy Dogs

48:32 Respecting Dogs in Therapeutic Roles

54:50 Requirements for Dog Assessment

55:55 Exploring Other Episodes and Resources

56:43 Outro