Leroy Brown and Turtle the Painting Pit Bull Team Up to Help Youth Literacy

Arlington Reads introduced a unique volunteer partner this year in the Reading Corps program - English Bulldog, Leroy Brown.

Leroy Brown, famed pet therapy dog with Respect A Bull, Inc. shared his comfy pet pillow with youth as they curled up with good books and read stories to the attentive floppy eared listener.

Children read enthusiastically as they petted and smiled through their stories as Leroy soaked it all in. The Reading Corps program is committed to ensuring all Arlington and Mansfield youth read on grade level by the end of third grade. Leroy did his part to help inspire the youth to develop a lifelong passion for reading.

When asked what the young participants' enjoyed most, the children shared that they "got to read a lot", "read their favorite books", they "had fun" and "liked everything" about this special program.

The session concluded with a visit to the Animal Services Center where the students were introduced to Leroy's best friend, Turtle the Painting Pit Bull, and they heard her miraculous story and were educated on anti-bullying. Turtle surprised everyone by paw-painting a picture and one lucky student won a drawing to receive the work of art as a gift.

Each Reading Corps student received a bracelet that reads "Remember Turtle" to wear in honor of Turtle and to serve as a reminder not to bully.

The next Reading Corps with Leroy Brown will be held at the Southeast Branch Library beginning on September 10. Register your child today, to secure a spot for this educational opportunity. Animal Services Manager Chris Huff thanked everyone that participated in the program, especially the parents for involving their children in this special program.

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Learn more about the next "Reading Corps with Leroy Brown"

Visit the Arlington Public Library Website

Volunteer with Arlington Reads!

Like Leroy Brown and Turtle on Facebook

Books on Bullying

Arlington Animal Services website

Interested in learning more about the Reading Corps program? For more information, contact Arlington Public Library at 817-459-6985.