My son, Josiah, has been diagnosed with Apraxia as well as a non-specific learning disability.

We believe he has dyslexia. The school system doesn't test for this per se, so until we shell out lots of money for our own testing, we won't know that. What we do know is that he struggles with learning in all areas, but particularly so in reading.

In the meantime, one of our teachers here has a friend named Leah Brewer who has an American Pit Bull Terrier therapy dog named Elle. Elle has come to our school a number of times and read with groups of children.  A few weeks ago, Josiah got to read with her.  She is a beautiful dog!  She lays there while the kids read and helps calm them down.  She doesn't care when he stumbles over words!  Reading with her is exciting and gives the kids confidence.

I just found out today that Elle was nominated for Cesar Millan's Dog of the Year.  Cesar Millan, also known as the Dog Whisperer can be seen on TV for his work with dogs that have behavior and trust issues.

Elle is currently in second place on the voting for the top 20 dogs.  It would mean a great deal to us if Elle would win the dog of the year since she is so special to us.  Voting ends on February 17  Please follow this link to vote for Elle and help us recognize this wonderful dog and her handler and owner, Leah Brewer. Elle is listed as Cesar's #17.  Please also forward to anyone you can and repost on Facebook since I don't have access here at school and won't get home until late tonight.

Trina Tucker Paynter

Media Coordinator

Vaughan Elementary School