Elementary children are a delight to be with, so reading with Jambo encouraged children to love reading- (Jambo means "hello" in Swahili).
How did I begin "reading with children"? Jambo and I went to local elementary schools and I spoke with the principal, then completed the paperwork for a police check of my background and showed Jambo's papers; then arranged a one day per week, two to three hour sessions with four elementary schools.
Upon arriving at each school we checked at the office to see which classroom would be our treat for the day.
Jambo and I would enter the classroom, going to the back where there was usually a chair for me and a rug where Jambo and 4-6 children at a time would sit.
Jambo and Milwaukee Elementary School had a huge article in Portland's largest paper with photos of Jambo working with some of these elementary children.
Kids would then take their turn reading with Jambo, petting him all the while.
Gentle? Oh my YES! He knew who was good and who was bad. Kids adored him! Jambo sang for and with the children. I don't think we ever left a class room without at least one song.
Jambo was a Bouvier des Flandres, a breed not for everyone but one with so many wonderful qualities. Bouviers have a background of police work, farmer's all around helpers, guide dogs, keeping watch over cattle at night and pulling a cart to the market during the day.
One Bouvier was able to keep a pack of wolves at bay though frequent bouts with those animals led the farmers into lopping ears and tail to give wolves less to grab.
Jambo was trained in both protection and therapy. He usually walked tightly by my left knee off leash, stopping when I paused, in the sit position then proceeding when I started again. It was awesome to watch how he would sometimes walk backwards while watching an oncoming man. Yes he always had my back.
Jambo loved to sing so much in fact, it got to the point where I couldn't even begin to hum, sing or whistle without him immediately joining in, even at home, walking or in the car.
Dog health wasn't an issue with him. He ate raw chicken primarily. His total vet bills I am sure were less than $150 during the 7 years we were together - most of that was to run Titers to show he didn't need more shots.
My love of reading has long been a passion - and it was my goal to pass this passion on to those kids. Oh the huge number of cards, notes and posters given to thank Jambo and me for helping them learn to love reading!
Oh how I miss my Jambo!
Herman Adcox
http://www.young-4-ever.com
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