My name is Maeve Kennedy, my partner for my project is my 12 year old Labrador, named Tootsie. She and I are going to be a reading dog team at Braintree Elementary. When I go into the school the kids and I are going to sit down with Tootsie and they get to choose a book to read to me and the dog. I have been involved in the OSSD school community my whole life, because my Dad works at the High School. Ever since I was in elementary school, this is what I've wanted to do as my senior project. When I was younger, we had the PAWS To Read dogs visit Braintree Elementary, and we got to read to them. This project is very meaningful to me because I know Braintree hasn't had a program in place for awhile (ever since I was there) and I remember how helpful and fun it was. I would love to get back to Braintree and reconnect with old teachers and friends and show them my new learning. 

With my mentor, Maggie Flansbury, I have been training Tootsie in various aspects to make her a better reading dog. I have been working on her basic skills: sit, stay, lay down. I have also been taking her out in public to practice leash walking and social interaction with adults, kids and dogs alike. I would like to start going into Braintree by February, twice a week. I have been having lots of fun with the new learning involved.