This is Sting — a sweet therapy pup who loves nothing more than lending an ear.
Sting is a kind therapy dog who enjoys nothing more than providing a listening ear.
He has been working as a volunteer with the “Paws to Read” initiative at the White Bear Lake Library in Minnesota for a number of years.
By just sitting next to children ages 4 to 8 as they read aloud to him, he helps them feel more at ease and confident about books and reading.
However, the unthinkable occurred one week.
Nobody arrived.
John Muellner, Sting’s manager, acknowledges that February is often one of the program’s weaker months, but he had hoped that some young readers might eventually participate.
Muellner admitted to us, “I actually knew nobody signed up that afternoon, but Ann the librarian was going to try and stir up some business.” And I reasoned, “Why not just go since it’s rather close to us?”
Muellner may have known what to anticipate, but Sting obviously didn’t.
Sting appeared to be rather dissatisfied, maybe a bit heartbroken.
Muellner later posted about Sting’s sad predicament on Facebook.
Little could the dog have guessed what an overwhelming outpouring of support he’d receive.
Soon, Muellner’s post gained tens of thousands of likes, shares, and comments, all of which benefited Sting. Even buying plane tickets to Minnesota seemed to be an option for some people only to read him a story.
It’s been crazy, said Muellner. “I guess nothing about the internet these days surprises me, but the volume and scope of answers globally are a little astounding.”
Sting’s reading schedule is already completely booked with excited children for the upcoming several months, proving that all the publicity has indeed had an effect. He is now famous.
It’s difficult to see Sting ever being dissatisfied after such a positive conclusion. The best part is that he will have the ability to improve the lives of future readers simply by being himself.
It’s wonderful to witness some of them break out of their shells, said Muellner. Consider this: When was the last time you read aloud for 20 minutes.
