Can you even handle the cuteness? Penny the Therapy Dog becomes a Library Staple

The newest, cutest, and most cathartic programming has arrived at the Charlestown Branch of
the Boston Public Library: reading with Penny the Therapy Dog. Local Charlestown resident
Alison McArdle and her adorable golden retriever Penny will be visiting the library one Saturday
each month for patrons to have the opportunity to read to Penny. Certified by Pets and People
Foundation as an official therapy team, Alison and Penny take their roles very seriously in
bringing calmness and cheer to Charlestown. The library program is geared toward young
children learning to read and intended to inspire confidence with Penny as a trusted listener
and supporter.

The program launched in January and has seen interest from energetic toddlers and young
children committed to learning how to read. Information on how you will be able to sign up for
15-minute reading time slots will be forthcoming on the Boston Public Library website on the
event page. If you have questions, please email: [email protected] or call 617-242-1248.
You can also follow Penny on Instagram @penpen_goldenpup for updates on scheduling.

Special shout out to Children’s Librarian Lena for helping bring this program to life!

In addition to more Penny programming, stay tuned for other pet therapy options popping up
around town. Nikki Nutter, President of CharlestownDogs, and her dog Hootie, another
certified therapy team with Pets and People Foundation, will be joining the mindfulness for kids
experiencing anxiety program put on by the Kennedy Center on Thursday, March 21st and other
future Kennedy Center events.

Interested in becoming a certified Pet Therapy Team? Check out the Pets and People Foundation to see if you’d be a good fit. Alison and Nikki are always ready to answer questions from prospective teams!