Reading to your dog – Why not give it a try?

By Beth Marzo, Best Friends Network Volunteer

Photo of Julia and Lily

When Lony Ruhmann’s puppy came down with distemper, reading to the little guy named Juve seemed to come natural to Lony. He found that this seriously ill pup became more relaxed and even was able to communicate his favorite stories!

Thankfully, Juve made a full recovery from this life threatening disease. The positive results of reading to his sick puppy gave Lony the idea of writing a book specifically for dogs. Seven years later, his first book – Bite the Dog – was complete. Bite the Dog is made up of short stories to keep the interest of the animal. It is made up from a number of vignettes, and was written with love by a man thankful to have his dog survive distemper. No one will tell Lony that his beloved Juve did not benefit from the time he spent reading to him, or that reading to him did not immensely help the recovery process.

One story of Lony’s entitled “All alone on his bed” reads as follows:

Where have you been?
I’ve been waiting for you.
Be with me,
Come be with me
Touch me
(Sighs)
I have peace now.

Lony is in the process of setting up a website which when completed can be found at www.1001animalfriends.com. Lony is also looking for a publisher for his book, and will not be discouraged. He believes reading to our dogs strengthens the bond between us and is great for a dog’s self esteem.

Personally, I have learned “don’t knock it if you haven’t tried it”. Hearing your voice and spending time with your dog is a win/win situation, even if they don’t understand all the words!