A popular pup will soon make her return to libraries throughout Wellington County.

"Lili" the therapy dog will be at multiple libraries including the Fergus branch this summer. The Paws 4 Stories program gives children the opportunity to bond with the animal while improving their reading skills.

Lili's owner Julie Wheeler-Bryant, a St. John's Ambulance volunteer, says she is aware the therapeutic benefits of dogs are proven, but believes the most important thing is the smiles she sees Lili bring to people's faces. Wheeler-Bryant says these studies do prove there are self-concept and mood benefits from being around a canine.

She explains Lili, the golden retriever/poodle mix, or "golden doodle," underwent many tests to become a therapy dog. Lili has been doing certified work in the county since 2019.

"There are rigid standards, so she is tested with other dogs, and it's a very thorough test with about 12 different subtests. That's where we start," Wheeler-Bryant explained.

"After that if she passed that, she is certified to go help out in schools or libraries, in our case Wellington County libraries," she added.

Wheeler-Bryant says became a volunteer a ways back, getting involved with therapy dogs 25 years ago.

She says the Paws 4 Stories program allows kids to read to and build a positive relationship with a dog, and helps kids in a different context than in school or at home.

She says she’s seen kids who were initially timid have a complete mindset shift regarding dogs throughout a session.

"Sometimes we get children who are really afraid of dogs, and they come in hesitating. At the end of the 20-minute session you'll often see them petting the dog, with their arm around the dog, hugging the dog," Wheeler-Bryant exclaimed.

"It really does have children that may have had a bad experience with a dog have more confidence to be with dogs in the future," she concluded.

Wheeler-Bryant is excited to support local libraries while building a variety of skills in participants.

To learn more, contact your local library on booking a 20-minute time slot.

Lili's Fergus date is set for Aug. 8; the event runs from 2-4 p.m.

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