Radio Friendly
Shane Ray Talks 10-Year History of WYRZ
Indy Ignite Gearing Up For Inaugural Season
TRUSTED APPROACH
OLTHOF HOMES STANDS APART WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH TO THE BUILDING PROCESS
6 TRUSTED APPROACH Olthof Homes Stands Apart With a Personal Touch to the Building Process 10 FEBRUARY EVENTS 12 RADIO FRIENDLY Shane Ray Talks 10-Year History of WYRZ
16
IGNITING PASSION Indy Ignite Gearing Up For Inaugural Season
20 RUFF READING Paws & Think Program Sees Local Expansion
PUBLISHER
DARREN BOSTON darren@townepost.com (317) 716-8812
KEY CONTRIBUTORS
MICHAEL DURR
MELISSA GIBSON
RENÉE LARR
AMY PAYNE
NATALIE PLATT VHT STUDIOS
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC.
FOUNDER, CEO
TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599
PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK
CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS
MANAGING EDITOR DEVON DEAN
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CONTACT THE PUBLISHER Have a story idea or suggestion for the magazine?
TRUSTED APPROACH
OLTHOF HOMES STANDS APART WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH TO THE BUILDING PROCESS
Writer / Natalie Platt Photography / VHT Studios
Olthof Homes arrived in the Indianapolis market in 2017, the product of a proud threegeneration, family-run business that has been building quality single-family homes, townhomes and paired villas since 1961. Founded by Fritz and Karen Olthof, the company started with Fritz’s hands-on approach to home construction, a personal touch that remains a hallmark of Olthof Homes today. Their legacy is carried on by their four sons, Scot, Todd, Dennis and Fritz, and grandson, Matt, all of whom hold construction management degrees from Purdue University and oversee different areas of the business.
“Being a family-owned business originally from northwest Indiana and starting in a new market was challenging to
build our brand initially, but it has been such a rewarding experience,” says Lisa McCleskey, division manager at Olthof Homes. “Upon arrival in the Indianapolis market, we were excited to show a new customer base all about our homes and how we prioritize customer service in every way possible. We are proud of our homes and we give top-of-the-line effort to make sure we serve our customers well.”
With their customer-first philosophy, Olthof Homes’ process ensures that buyers are guided every step of the way, from initial consultation to post-move-in support. Their dedication and service has earned them accolades and a loyal following in the Indianapolis area - and now Plainfield.
The Bo-Mar development is Olthof Homes’ first community in Plainfield.
“One thing we love about Plainfield is the excitement we hear from business owners,
realtors and educators,” McCleskey says. “They are all excited about where Plainfield is going, and that makes us excited to be a small part of that movement.”
Olthof Homes developments emphasize thoughtful planning, offering a mix of architectural styles and floor plans to cater to various lifestyles, whether for growing families, professionals, or retirees seeking comfort and convenience.
With appealing exterior character, energy efficiency, trusted methods, creative floor plans and comfortable living spaces, Olthof Homes stands apart. The company’s reputation is built on delivering not just houses, but homes that foster a sense of belonging and meet the diverse needs of today’s homeowners. With a team of warm, eager-to-help professionals ready to give you support, advice and solutions, Olthof Homes is ready to guide customers through each step of the new-home building journey with ease and enjoyment.
One hallmark of Olthof Homes is its focus on quality and innovation. Each home reflects a meticulous attention to detail, blending timeless craftsmanship with contemporary features. Openconcept layouts, energy-efficient systems and customizable options ensure that homeowners can personalize their spaces while enjoying modern functionality.
“ONE THING WE LOVE ABOUT PLAINFIELD IS THE EXCITEMENT WE HEAR FROM BUSINESS OWNERS, REALTORS AND EDUCATORS. THEY ARE ALL EXCITED ABOUT WHERE PLAINFIELD IS GOING, AND THAT MAKES US EXCITED TO BE A SMALL PART OF THAT MOVEMENT.”
- LISA MCCLESKEY
The use of premium materials and sustainable practices underscores Olthof Homes’ commitment to durability and environmental responsibility.
Because Olthof Homes is family owned - not part of a large corporation - their clients never become a number.
“We know our customers by name,” McCleskey says. “The owners of our company still make random visits and walk through our homes. They want to make sure that we are delivering homes under our core values: Humbly serve, Own it, Memorable experience, Efficient. Our pricing is also pretty straightforward, as we don’t do pricing swings according to the time of year. In the end, a customer
will select the floor plan they love, but once they love our floor plan, then the rest of the package we offer is pretty tough to beat compared to anywhere else.”
Olthof Homes also serves these core values by getting involved in the community and creating a culture that encompasses better living, not just for employees, but also for everyone the homebuilding company serves.
“We joined the Plainfield Chamber of Commerce to get involved,” says McCleskey. “There is always something going on in the area and lots of opportunities to serve. Last year, for the first time ever, our company entered a float in a community parade. It was a lot
of work and fun, but it paid off because we won the Best Theme - ‘Our Plainfield Era, Then and Now.’”
The float used photos from the 1960s when Olthof first started building homes, and then displayed photos of what their homes look like now.
“Those of us working for Olthof Homes in 2025 feel so blessed and honored to be able to carry this legacy forward into Plainfield,” she says. “We will definitely be looking for more opportunities to serve the community throughout the year.”
If McCleskey could add a fifth value to the company’s core values, it would be the word ‘truth.”
Some of our phrases are, ‘You belong here’ - we adopted this and sometimes you’ll see it at the entrance to our communities, or on a wall in a welcome center, because everyone is welcome,” she says. “In this world, more than ever, people need to know there is a place where they belong. Another phrase is, ‘Live better.’ Let’s not all just whiteknuckle it through another challenging
news cycle, but let’s live better where we are, impacting our neighbors and community right from our own homes. That is where true change starts.”
The homebuilding company continues to expand and build new communities throughout northwest Indiana and the Indianapolis area. Looking ahead in
2025, Olthof Homes will be rolling out a new community in Greenfield called Evergreen Estates.
You can contact Olthof Homes at 317-999-9392, olthofhomes. com, and on social media @ OltholfHomesIndianapolis (Facebook) and @OlthofHomesIndy (Instagram).
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
1
“ANNIE” (TOURING)
CLOWES MEMORIAL HALL, 4602
SUNSET AVE. | 1 - 2:30PM
Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package.
INDIANA FISHING EXPO
1900 E. MAIN ST.
The Indiana fishing expo will turn 25 this , and we are super excited for the show. You will find 40,000 square feet of fishing bliss. visithendrickscounty.com
PAWS TO READ
FEBRUARY
PLAINFIELD-GUILFORD
TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY, 1120 STAFFORD RD. 11AM - 12PM
Practice your reading with a trained therapy dog! Please register for this event online. plainfieldlibrary.libnet.info
ROYAL RUMBLE
2025
LUCAS OIL STADIUM, 500 SOUTH CAPITOL AVE. | 6PM lucasoilstadium.com
8
BILLY JOEL & STING
LUCAS OIL STADIUM, 500 S. CAPITOL AVE. | 7PM
All individuals attending this event must have a ticket, regardless of age. CLEAR BAG POLICY!
PLAINFIELD
CHAMBER’S THIRD ANNUAL TRIVIA
HENDRICKS COUNTY
4-H FAIRGROUNDS AND CONFERENCE COMPLEX, 1900 E. MAIN ST.
5:30 - 9 PM
Emceed by the one and only Hambone’s Trivia, our event has become one of the largest trivia fundraisers in central Indiana! plainfield-in.com
THE PRINCE
EXPERIENCE
HENDRICKS LIVE!, INC 200 W. MAIN ST. | 8PM bandsintown.com
10 WOMEN’S SELFDEFENSE CLASS
7:30 - 9PM
Put on some comfy workout clothes and join this monthly class with both classroom and hands-on instruction. brownsburg.org
WTTS PRESENTS: MUSIC ON MAIN WITH JENNIE DEVOE
HENDRICKS LIVE, 200 W. MAIN ST.
Catch dinner and a show at Hendricks Live! Jennie DeVoe is a blues/soul/Americana singer-songwriter with a killer band backing her up! visithendrickscounty.com
21 LARRY THE CABLE GUY
7:30 PM
Larry the Cable Guy is a multiplatinum recording artist, Grammy nominee, Billboard Award winner, and one of the top comedians in the country. butlerartscenter.org
22 “STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE” IN CONCERT
HILBERT CIRCLE THEATRE, 45 MONUMENT CIRCLE | 7PM
24 NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS
FEATURING TONY DUNGY AND 2006 COLTS ICONS
MURAT THEATRE AT OLD NATIONAL CENTRE, 502 N. NEW JERSEY ST.
DOORS 6 PM; SHOW 7PM.
For the first time since they won Super Bowl XLI, icons from the 2006 Colts return to Indianapolis for one night only to celebrate.
27
JIM HENSON’S “FRAGGLE ROCK: BACK TO THE ROCK LIVE”
MURAT THEATRE AT OLD NATIONAL CENTRE, 502 N. NEW JERSEY ST..
DOORS 6:30PM; SHOW 7:30PM
28 “ALICE IN WONDERLAND JR.”
HENDRICKS CIVIC THEATRE
7:30PM
Step into the wacky world of Wonderland in this vibrant new retelling of a Disney classic!
FEBRUARY CROSSWORD
ACROSS
1. Act the mendicant
4. Boys, to Burns
8. A bit loopy
12. Questionnaire datum
13. “American ___”
14. Sole
15. Also
16. Whirling water
17. Desist
18. Dug up
20. Hose hue
21. Particular, for short
23. “Concentration” puzzle
25. Modify
27. Toupee, informally
28. ___ now or never
31. Passage preventer
33. Van Morrison classic
35. Snoop
36. Dash
38. London’s ___ Court
39. Kathmandu country
41. Friends and neighbors
42. Extinct flock
45. Celebrity ribfest
47. Superior to 48. Deck
49. Chalet site, perhaps
52. Club
53. “Take this!”
54. Born in France?
55. Bounds
56. “Paradise Lost” setting
57. Bonus for waiting
DOWN
2. I problem?
3. High school subject
4. Bank loan security
5. Calculator, at times
6. Go unsteadily
7. Full of guile
8. Doctor’s orders
9. Beginning to freeze?
10. Aggressively publicize
11. Blood category
19. Coffee preference
20. Base caller
21. Pouches
22. Leaky faucet sound
24. Software error
26. Wanders
28. Annoyance
29. List
30. Dress-uniform part
32. Frost’s bite?
34. Thousand ___, Calif.
37. Ruined
39. Expected outcomes
40. River through Tours
42. Spoil, with “on”
43. It’s within your range
44. Word with heat or meat
46. Biblical conclusion
48. French beverage
50. Haole’s souvenir
51. Cheerleader’s asset
RADIO FRIENDLY
SHANE RAY TALKS 10-YEAR HISTORY OF WYRZ
Writer / Melissa Gibson Photographer / Amy Payne
Fans of Brownsburg’s local FM radio station WYRZ might be surprised to learn the station’s team will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2025.
It all started with a young boy’s love for radio.
“I’ve been interested in radio since I was 5 years old,” said Shane Ray, executive director of the Hendricks County Educational Media Corporation. “We had a friend on the radio back in the days of turntables and way before digital. I always liked it. I thought it was just fascinating.”
Ray took audio-visual classes in school,
worked for the local radio station in high school, and eventually joined a corporateowned station. Ray learned his passion for the local, community-centric radio station there, but it wasn’t until many years later when the opportunity for a station in his hometown became available.
“My wife and I moved to Brownsburg and we would go to chamber luncheons and other business functions in the county,” he said. “WKLU was in Brownsburg at the time. It was sold and moved to Indianapolis and people were talking about it. They missed their local station so I used my experience and said, ‘Let’s see what we can do.’”
He purchased some hobby equipment, picked up a small AM signal and began doing what he had learned many years before: reporting on the high school basketball games, interviewing town council members and highlighting nonprofits in the area.
Members of the community praised the AM station, but also expressed a desire for an FM station they could pick up while traveling in the car and around the local community. On the AM station, listeners could only access it from a half-mile away.
“I couldn’t do anything about that until the FCC opened up some channels, but the biggest thing was, they only opened it up to nonprofits,” Ray said. “So we started a nonprofit and got things rolling. It was a big boost for the station. You could hear it all over the county, up to Zionsville and the west side of Indianapolis.”
They were already reaching out to local high schools and colleges, offering internships.
“Within our first year of being on air, we had a Brownsburg High School student,” Ray said. “Since then they’ve mostly come from Brownsburg, but we’ve had Avon High School students and Tri-West students.”
Passing on his passion for radio is important to Ray, and he takes care to give each intern the full experience. It’s not uncommon for a student to walk in and say they don’t want to be on the air, and that they’re interested in production, journalism or another related field.
“I always tell them, ‘That’s great,’ but you’re going to have the history of radio, FCC requirements, and a broad understanding of all the departments that make a radio work, from sales to technology,” Ray said. “We’re cramming a lot of information into their heads, but hopefully when they decide what they want to do, they have a full understanding.”
Staff at the station have seen some success from previous interns. Some have gone on
to work as news anchors, producers, radio hosts and more.
Looking back, Ray is grateful for the various opportunities that have come along over the years.
“I feel like it’s a lot of smaller things that make the station,” he said. “Just getting on the air was a great day. I remember flipping the switch, turning the power on and telling Hendricks County, ‘This is your radio station; this is for you.’”
He’s interviewed Charlie Daniels, Ted Danson, Mike Pence and others, but it might be the local ties that mean a little more.
“I love to hear the success stories,” he said. “We’ve done a story about a local author, and she updates us on the book and has another one coming out. We promote our nonprofits who have nowhere else to go to run this information for free. That’s what
Interviewing former Governor Mike Pence
it’s all about. That’s what we’ve been trying to do all along.”
The nonprofit station is primarily operated by volunteers, and there have been many by Ray’s side from the beginning.
“I would be a fish out of water if I didn’t have Brian Scott on the team,” he said. “He’s the morning guy and handles a lot of the technical problems. He’s a large
part of why the station runs as smoothly as it does. Bruce Quinn was the former owner of WKLU and still helps advise us on equipment changes and FCC recommendations. My wife, Theresa, helps keep everything straight on the business side of things, and we’ve had numerous adult volunteers that have asked for a time slot. Rarely do we say, ‘We don’t have a spot for you.’”
They’ve also had many sponsors and supporters over the years.
It’s difficult to raise funds when they don’t need material items like food for a food pantry or clothing for a local clothes closet. Yet, the station has to replace equipment from time to time, and royalty fees for playing music aren’t decreasing any time soon.
Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting for original station, WXRB
Ray said to name just one or two sponsors would be unfair, but three or four larger sponsors keep the transmitter humming. Many more sponsor news casts, weather and more.
“We had a lightning storm come through not too long ago that knocked us off the air,” Ray said. “The Hendricks County Community Foundation came to our rescue. We really want to thank the sponsors and the community for standing behind us all of these years as we continue to grow. They’ve stayed with us and we’re appreciative.”
He knows he won’t be able to operate the station forever, but also knows that allowing the station to drift off or dissolve completely isn’t an option. Hopefully someone will come along, take the reins and continue with the mission he started.
“I believe the airwaves are so crowded right now, if we were to shut down, there
would be no way to get back in,” he said. “We’re kind of grandfathered in since we got our license in 2015. People say, ‘Why don’t you sell it?’ but you can’t sell a nonprofit. You just have to find the right person to take hold of it and keep it going.”
For many years Ray kept his old timecard from a previous employer on display at the radio station. It served as a reminder to make his dream a reality.
■
■ Drivers (CDL not needed)
■
“ A family oriented workplace Everyone is part of the team”
— Driver, Houston
“You have to make this successful or you’re going back to punching the clock,” he said. “It was very motivating. This is a dream come true for me. It’s a passion and I don’t ever want to see it go away. We want to give people something they can’t get anywhere else - the local news, the local information, the local celebrations. It’s a void we’re trying to fill.”
For more information, visit wyrz.org or email Ray directly at shane@wyrz.org.
IGNITING PASSION
Writer / Renée Larr
Photographer / Michael Durr
INDY IGNITE GEARING UP FOR INAUGURAL SEASON
The growth of women’s sports worldwide is not just a cultural milestone. It’s big business.
According to FIFA, the 2023 Women’s World Cup final attracted 13.21 million viewers in the United Kingdom alone. Stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have propelled the popularity of women’s basketball. In a historic moment for U.S. women’s sports, Nebraska’s Division I women’s volleyball team shattered the world attendance record when 92,003 fans filled Memorial Stadium.
Closer to home, Munciana Volleyball, based in Yorktown, stands as one of the most successful clubs in the country. Known for producing multiple national champions and elite athletes, the club boasts a track record of players and coaches at collegiate and professional levels. One of those standout players is Yorktown native Kylie Murr. A four-season star at Ohio State, Murr became the all-time digs leader with 1,935 before transferring to Minnesota for her final collegiate season. Her journey culminated with a professional draft to the Vegas Thrill, part of the emerging Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF).
The PVF, which launched its inaugural season in 2024, began with seven teams featuring 14 players each. The league adopted a major-league format, playing games in prominent arenas across the U.S. Among its recent expansions is the Indy Ignite, based in Fishers - a move championed by Co-owners Jim Schumacher and Don Hutchinson, and made possible by the unwavering support of the local community.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Indy Ignite to our brandnew Fishers Event Center and contribute to the growth and momentum of women’s sports in our region,” Fadness says. “Having a professional sports team call
Fishers home is a testament to how far we’ve come as a vibrant destination for sports, dining and entertainment in the region. I’m proud that we can provide a venue to showcase the incredible talent and determination of these women, and help to pave the way to inspire the next generation of female athletes.”
Murr will return to her Hoosier roots as a libero for Indy Ignite. Liberos, often called the defensive anchors of volleyball, specialize in back-row play, particularly in receiving and digging the opponent’s attacks. At 5 feet, 6 inches, Murr’s stature might be smaller than some on the court, but her grit, fearlessness and agility make her a standout athlete.
Murr shares her perspective on the transition from college to professional volleyball. She notes that the physicality of the sport is a significant difference. “The girls who jump really high and hit the ball really hard are what people love to see when they’re watching volleyball,” Murr says. “I think the biggest difference between college and professional volleyball is just how physical all these women are on the team.”
Murr says she’s excited to be part of such a special team of female athletes. The team is a group of passionate, strong and independent women who hope to be role models to other young female athletes who love the sport of volleyball. Murr says Indy Ignite, with its unique blend of passion, strength and independence, has the advantage of being a newly formed team in the league, setting it apart from the rest.
“As an add-on team, we get to build this thing from the ground up and show everyone what Indiana volleyball is all about,” Murr says. “Everyone on the team has the same competitive mindset. We’re super focused and hard-working but also very lighthearted, making important connections with each other.”
For Murr, playing professional volleyball
in her home state feels like a dream come full circle. Raised on Indiana’s high school volleyball culture, she says it’s humbling to compete at a professional level close to family and friends. She’s happy for the team to be based in a suburb of Indianapolis, because in Fishers they can stand out from other professional sports.
“I’m so excited to be back home where I have friends and family support,” Murr says. “I think it’s so impressive to have professional volleyball in Indiana. I think it’s important to consider your location when determining where to place a professional team. Here in Indiana, there is such a young crowd that loves and is dedicated to volleyball. I think it’s going to be cool to see these younger girls come out and watch us play.”
Murr says if you love volleyball and want to get better at it, you should come check out a live Indy Ignite game. She says experiencing the game firsthand is very different from seeing it on TV.
“As a pro volleyball player, we’re very open to connecting with the community’s
crowd,” Murr says. “Seeing the girls in action and even meeting them changes your perception of the game. There are a lot of great athletes and role models, regardless of whether you like volleyball or not. Families can bring their kids and show them firsthand examples of what their future could look like.”
As the PVF and teams like Indy Ignite continue to expand, players like Murr are leading the way for women’s sports to reach unprecedented heights. Their success is a testament to the community’s vital role in supporting and nurturing the growth of women’s sports, proving that the future is bright globally and locally. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a significant movement in the world of sports.
The season, set to kick off on January 11 at the Fishers Event Center against the Orlando Valkyries, promises an exhilarating start. To secure your spot for the entire season or delve deeper into the team’s journey, visit provolleyball.com/teams/ indy-ignite.
Kylie Murr speaking with Olivia West on the court of the Fishers Event Center on Founders Day.
RUFF READING
PAWS & THINK PROGRAM SEES LOCAL EXPANSION
Reading can be a struggle for some. We all know a child, whether our own or someone else’s, who simply doesn’t enjoy picking up a book and reading it. For whatever reason, it doesn’t click. They stumble over words, have difficulty sounding out complex words, are embarrassed to read aloud, and eventually it’s easier to just give up.
It doesn’t have to be that way, however.
In 2001 Gayle Hutchens, RN, was looking for a career change and she found Dr. Bonnie Bergin in California, who invented the concept of therapy dogs for assistance.
Therapy dogs were going into hospitals, nursing homes, schools and libraries to bring joy and comfort to those around them.
She thought about children who struggle to read, and how the therapy dogs might put them at ease and make reading a fun experience.
Hutchens created Paws & Think in 2001, bringing the benefits of therapy dogs to people who need them in Indianapolis and surrounding areas and libraries in Hendricks County.
“When readers are struggling, they don’t want to read; we avoid things when we think we’re not good at it or it’s difficult for us,” said Shannon Gaughan-Kelly, Paws & Think program coordinator of youth services. “When children read with a dog, if they miss a word or don’t know something, the dog doesn’t judge.”
Paws & Think simply invites a young reader (typically around first to third grade) to the library to sit down with an
adorable pup who wants to listen to a story.
Brownsburg Public Library has offered the service for a few years now, but Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library and the Avon-Washington Township Public Library have recently partnered with Paws & Think as well.
“At all three libraries, patrons sign up in advance for a 15-minute time slot,” Gaughan-Kelly said. “They come in and sit with the dog and their handler in a private room. The parents typically walk away. We don’t want any hovering or correcting. They can take a picture before or after the session, and then it’s just time with the dog. They have the dog all to themselves and it’s all about them.”
Participants can bring their own book
or pick one out at the library. If they already have half of the book memorized, Gaughan-Kelly says ‘that’s OK’. The point is to get them reading.
Studies show petting an animal releases endorphins, and with no judgement from the dog, children are encouraged to read more and have a positive experience both physically and mentally.
“Kids are prone to magical thinking,” Gaughan-Kelly said. “They believe the dog is listening, and the truth is, dogs do like to be talked to. We talk to dogs in shelters and we know it’s good for them. We know there’s value for the dog there too.”
She said there used to be a waitlist for the Paws & Think program in Hendricks County, but with three libraries coming on board and a recent increase in interest for therapy dogs and handlers, the program has been able to expand.
RESEARCH STUDY SEEKING
Women 50 or Older
healthy volunteers who are at least 50 years old (women) to participate in a study to determine if a hormone called progesterone can reduce the risk of a heart rhythm abnormality.
If you qualify for the study:
• You will complete one 2-hour visit and two 10- hour visits at the Indiana Clinical Research Center (ICRC) located on the IUPUI campus in downtown Indianapolis
• Prior to the 2nd and 3rd visit, you will apply progesterone or a placebo for 3 days and during the 2nd and 3rd visits, you will receive a medication called Ibutilide (Covert) by IV, have your blood taken and ECGs performed throughout the day.
• You will receive up to $500 after completing all study visits. Parking and meals during the study are included.
If you are interested in participating, please call or text 317-847-2094 or email: hwroblew@iu.edu
Not only is it a great experience for the kids, but it’s also an inspiring experience for the teams.
“We have a Great Dane, a chihuahua, a couple of pit bulls, lots of doodles, lots of goldens - all different shapes and sizes,” Gaughan-Kelly said. “I did it with my English cocker for several years before she passed away.”
Unfortunately, her two younger English cockers wouldn’t enjoy the program. Some dogs simply aren’t cut out for volunteering in this way.
“I think as a dog owner, you really have to consider their personality,” GaughanKelly said. “You have to be able to read your dog and their body language, and be reflective about what they do or do not like as well.”
She’s quick to point out that if your potential therapy dog is mild mannered but wouldn’t work well with children, there are other avenues to volunteer. Perhaps your dog would be happier visiting adults in the hospital, or the elderly.
“You have to advocate for your dog,” Gaughan-Kelly said. “Watch their body language and make sure they are comfortable too. There are lots of opportunities we can use dogs as therapy for people.”
For the Paws & Think library events, all therapy dogs complete a training program and handlers have the dog on a leash throughout the session. Even if the library has three teams come in, the dogs don’t interact with each other.
Volunteer teams have flexibility and can sign up on the Paws & Think calendar for a convenient time. It’s all about promoting the fun of reading in a positive way, and often inspires the volunteer teams to do more.
In one of Gaughan-Kelly’s volunteer sessions years ago, she watched as a mom became emotional as her son read to a dog. She later found out it was the first time the
boy was willing to read out loud to anyone.
Paws & Think is breaking down barriers and making connections.
“Several children in Brownsburg come to read to the same dog each week,” GaughanKelly said. “There are connections being built and that’s what libraries are for - to promote the love of reading.”
While there aren’t any facts showing children learn to read better or faster with the help of a therapy dog, Gaughan-Kelly said much of their results are anecdotal.
“We can track growth in our programs at the school and we know we’re being effective, but at the libraries it’s more about the parents saying attitudes about reading have changed and they’re showing more confidence,” she said. “We’re measuring so much more than test scores.”
To become a volunteer or learn more about the Paws & Think programs in your area, visit pawsandthink.org.
