The Marie-Uguay library in Notre-Dame-de-l'Île-Perrot invites young readers aged 6 to 9 to a reading activity with zootherapist Vanessa Grimard and her dog Sandale. Entitled Samedi de lire... avec Sandale, the activity will take place on September 21 at 10:30 a.m. at the library.

As Library Manager Noémie Philibert-Brunet explains, Vanessa will be doing exercises with young people “to help them read, to loosen their tongues; and often it's easier with an animal”. 

“The way it works is that a young person is asked to choose a book and read a few sentences to the animal. The zootherapist can intervene if necessary and invite the youngsters to reread a passage because Sandale didn't quite understand it, etc.,” adds the library manager.

Néomédia conducted a short interview with zootherapist Vanessa Grimard, a resident of Notre-Dame-de-l'Île-Perrot. She has been working with her dog Sandale for several years. “During the training session with some of the youngsters at the library, there will be no downtime. I'll be giving the waiting children drawings to color, to keep them busy; while some of them will be reading to Sandale, who will be able to make comments and ask questions through me,” explains Vanessa.

She continues: “I took a course in zootherapy, after obtaining my dec in loisirs, for which I obtained an Attestation d'études collégiales. Sandale accompanied me regularly to my classes, and we followed the “Canine Good Neighbors” program. This training certifies that dogs behave reliably in public, at home and with other dogs.

Vanessa has a second dog, Gaufrette, less calm than Sandale, with whom she visits, among other places, centers for autonomous and semi-autonomous elderly people. “He's a more active dog who loves to play, he's more of a showman and the seniors love him,” confides the young zootherapist. She also works with people with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. “The dogs can adapt to different groups,” she explains.

The next animations with Sandale will take place at the Marie-Uguay library on October 19, November 16 and December 21 at the same time.

Children aged 6 to 9 who are learning to read are invited to practice in a friendly, stimulating environment. Certified zootherapist Vanessa and her dog Sandale welcome them for an hour of reading.

Places are limited, and registration is required by calling the library at 514 453-0013.