Dogs Tales

OCEAN PINES A chorus of “ahh” went up from the circle of readers when little Fiona Russell, sitting on the carpet, opened a book and showed the Welsh Corgi the pictures.

“Look, Seamus, look,” the 5-year-old pre-kindergartner said, and the stubby-tailed dog rolled over on his back. Fiona rubbed his belly.

Parents and grandparents snapped photos of the children, positioned on benches and on their knees at the Ocean Pines library, books in hand, eyes on the dog, one of three who visit during the summer and listen to youngsters read aloud.

“Seamus will want all of you guys to go home with him,” said owner Margaret Tossey of Ocean Pines, a former teacher who had the dog certified by Pets on Wheels.

“We’ll take him,” somebody from the audience said, watching Seamus, who wore a blue collar and leash and matching bandana. He stood, shook and yawned.

Twice each week, on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. until Aug. 9, three owners will take their dogs to listen to children read, as part of the Tales for Dogs program.

“I took him to obedience classes and I figured, well, now I need to put him to work, so last year I had him certified,” Tossey said of the rescue, as she reminded the children they make the best pets. “Don’t forget the puppies and dogs that are up for rescue. I’ve had him three years and he’s a great little dog.”

Fiona’s 6-year-old sister, Emerson, read the children’s book “Dog and Bear” to Seamus, nicely pronouncing words as he listened patiently, looking up from time to time.

“My, you’re a really good reader,” Tossey told the little girl.

“I liked the pictures and I really like books,” said Emerson, ready for the beach in a black tank top with the words “I love sunshine” in bold letters.

“We’re trying to get her to read a good 15 minutes a day or so. We got her to come to the library and read today. She is more in-tune with words now,” her father, Chris, said.

Children nestled close to the 8-year-old Corgi, asking his age, his breed. Tossey explained both she and Seamus have roots in Wales and that Corgis, with their short legs, were bred as herding dogs. “They’re faster than you think,” she said.