Reading with PattySue

It has been so much fun visiting classrooms with PattySue. The first thing we learned was that we need to keep her out of sight as much as possible, because the youngsters are so enthralled with her, they have trouble focusing on the story.

Another thing we have learned is that many of the children are familiar with humane societies, and at least here in Wichita, most of the children had been to the Kansas Humane Society. Several of the classes had taken field trips to the society, and a number of children had pets that had been adopted from the humane society. It affirms to me what a great job our humane society and the teachers are doing to get the message out.

On Friday we visited with some junior kindergarteners. Kathy asked the little ones if they had pets. "I used to but my dog kept pooping on the floor so we had to take her back." "Mine throws up on the carpet." We changed subjects.

I have also seen other adults have the same reaction to PattySue that Kathy and I had. Her personality just sucks people in . . . big dog people, fluffy dog people, long hair dog people. Everyone we have met has come away from meeting PattySue acknowledging what an engaging dog she is.

Every time we read, we learn a little more about the next generation. One thing we know for sure: the teachers are doing an excellent job teaching their young ones how to be loving and compassionate to all of God's creatures. We hope PattySue is helping to reinforce the message.