CURRENT READING DOGS

 Groucho: TDI, CGC

 3 yr old Yellow Labrador Retreiver

Groucho came from the Guide Dogs for the Blind program in San Rafael, CA.  His mom raised five puppies before Groucho.  He made it through phase 9 out of 10 before he was career changed and he came back to Long Beach.  Because of his sound temperament and friendliness, it was thought he should have another job.  Groucho was certified as a therapy dog and his mom started the BARK program.  Groucho loves listening to children read.   

Groucho’s best friends are Stella (Boxer), Oso (Cane Corso), and Maggie Bear (mix).  He loves to run, attack squeaky toys, and play tug-o-war. 

 Raisin, TDI, CGC - 6 yr old Pug

Raisin was adopted from a rescue group called Pugs-n-Pals when he was 2- years-old.  He was a 7th birthday present for daughter Karley, whose favorite books was Eloise.  She looked just like Eloise who has a little Pug dog.  (It is now one of Raisin's favorite books too!!) Raisin came right up to Karley at an adoption fair and tried to mark her as his own.  It was a perfect match!.  Raisin had a reputation of being an "escape artist" and his family was told not to let him out of their sight or open the door, or he would take off and never return.  He had been found wandering the streets of Orange, CA. and had run away from several foster homes.  Well, he must have found what he was looking for, since he has never once run out the door without running back in!!

Raisin lives in busy Belmont Shore where he loves his monthly trip to doggie beach with some of his dog pals.  He loves to run and chase the "big dogs"  He also loves any doggie event by Justin Rudd and has participated in many Haute Dog parades.  This Christmas he rode with the Mayor of Long Beach in the "Belmont Shore Christmas Parade"  Every weekday, he loves walking Karley to and from school!

Raisin enjoys eating anything he can get his paws into and has gotten himself into a bit of trouble on occasion.  His parents now know better than to leave Chocolates sitting around!! 

Raisin loves doing therapy dog work and has been busy visiting many hospitals and senior centers.  His favorite thing is being a BARK dog at Bryant Elementary.  Each week he jumps into the car and dashes up the steps of the school like he owns the place.  He is so excited to see his friends  He has heard many terrific stories this year.  He especially likes stories that feature dogs!!

For more information on Pugs and the PUGS-N-PALS rescue group, visit PUGDOGRESCUE.COM

 Rusti: TDI, CGC - 6 yr old Golden Retriever

 Rusti picked Bette and Keith to be her parents when she was ten weeks old.  She and six other females from the litter were put out on the floor to explore and instead of starting to explore like the other six puppies, she came right over to Bette and Keith to introduce herself.  She wanted to be held by both of us.  She loves to play tug-a-war and loves walks in her neighborhood.  Rusti used to do agility and really enjoyed it; however, two tears on her ACL ligaments in both knees prevents her from participating currently.  She loves people of all ages, particularly children.  That's why her mom and dad, Bette and Keith, chose the BARK program for volunteering.  Rusti also volunteers at Sylvan Learning Center once a week.  Rusti loves the volunteering. All her mom has to do is get out her red vest and her tail starts to wag.  As Bette pulls up in front of the schools,  she excitedly paces in the back seat of the car until she is let out of the car. 

 Amiko: TDI, CGC - 3 yr old Leonberger

Mack: CD, RE, PT, JHD, CS,CI, CGC, TDI

 3 yr old Rottweiler

Mack is a friendly Rottweiler who works very hard at being an 
ambassador for his breed. His Owner, Jeremy, brought him down from 
Oregon in a small plane in late 2004 and Mack has been traveling ever 
since, competing in obedience, carting, herding and rally events. Mack 
grew up with other dogs from Rottweiler Rescue of Los Angeles and, as 
a result, is friendly to other dogs around him. Mack loves to play 
with stuffed animals (so long as they squeak or make noises) and get 
attention from kids and adults, but he isn't always conscious of his 
size, and will sometimes crash into you, which is why has the name, 
"Mack" (he can feel like a collision with a Mack truck!).

Mack volunteers at Roosevelt and Bryant Elementary Schools in Long 
Beach.

Willow is a breeder for Guide Dogs of America.  Until she is retired from breeding, she legally belongs to Guide Dogs of America.  Willow's family knew she had what it takes to be a therapy dog and received approval to have her certified as a therapy dog.  She has been voluntering as a BARK dog at Willard Elementary since March 2008.

 Raised to be a service animal through the Guide Dogs of America program, Emory was released from duty and returned to his puppy raiser when he was diagnosed with bilateral cataracts.  Having a great disposition, plenty of intelligence and a keen interest in serving the community, Emory has spent time in other service programs including hospital visits and mentoring other Guide Dogs in training.  He joined BARK in April 2008, and loves going to school to see “his” kids and listening to them read. His favorite book is “Harry the Dirty Dog”.