Video: Dogs help kids improve their reading skills

Willy Cryderman looks forward to his weekly hangout sessions with his buddy Maddy - who just happens to be a very lovable 2-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog.

Maddy is a therapy dog that visits libraries in Greater Sudbury and enjoys being read stories by young, developing readers like Willy.

Hope Lumbis is Maddy's handler and a member of Magical Paws.

"Reading Tails is for kids that have confidence issues or trouble reading," Lumbis said.

"They get to read to a dog without anyone laughing at them or judging them."

Lumbis said most parents will see an improvement in their child's reading in as little as one session but students usually continue the program for a total of five sessions.

"Because I'm reading to a dog, it's just different." Willy said.

"They're cool. They aren't human."