Wednesday, Tales with Tails volunteers and their four-legged friends visited East Side Elementary in Johnstown. 

The program’s founder said she can see the children improve each time they read to the dogs.

“Beyond just getting to be with the dogs, not all the kids have dogs at home, it gives them somebody that’s not judging them on their reading levels. Not judging if they mess up a word. It’s a self-esteem, it’s a confidence builder,” said Jaimie Miller, the founder of Tales with Tails.

Volunteers want to expand the program into more schools and libraries in Cambria County. They’re also hoping to recruit more handlers and dogs.