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Grandmother in glasses reads a thick book aloud on a couch while a Jack Russell Terrier leans close to her face. 14 / 40

Abuela Started Reading Her Book Out Loud. Her Terrier Got Closer With Every Page.

AI imagejack russell terrierreading aloudcouch

Story time has a very devoted audience of one. Abuela Rosa sits on a cream-colored couch with a thick, well-thumbed book open in her hand, glasses on and mouth caught mid-sentence as she reads aloud. Her gray hair is pinned back and her floral apron is still on from the kitchen. Chispa sits beside her, stretched up so her nose nearly touches Rosa's chin, gazing at her with complete attention, as if every line is the best plot twist she has ever heard. Behind them, framed family photos line a shelf, a houseplant sits in the sunny window and a mug of something hot waits on the side table.

Reading aloud to a dog is more than just sweet. Many libraries and schools run programs where children practice reading to calm therapy dogs, because a dog listens without judgment, which can make reading feel less stressful. For older adults, reading aloud is a pleasant way to keep the voice active and the mind engaged, and having a listener makes the habit feel more social. Dogs respond strongly to the tone and rhythm of familiar voices, even if they do not follow the story. A calm, steady reading voice can be soothing for a dog and a nice way to wind down together before a nap.

Chispa may not know who the hero is, but she knows exactly whose voice she loves best. That is plenty for a good story hour.

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