Books, Dogs and Kids
Mary Jane Maffini is a lapsed librarian, a former mystery bookstore owner, a previous president of Crime Writers of Canada and a lifelong lover of mysteries. In addition to the four Charlotte Adams books, she is the author of the Camilla MacPhee series, the Fiona Silk adventures and nearly two dozen short stories. She has won two Arthur Ellis awards for best mystery short story as well as the Crime Writers of Canada Derrick Murdoch award. She is having fun with the fifth Charlotte Adams adventure: The Busy Woman’s Guide to Murder (Berkley Prime Crime 2011) and says she’s grateful for all the tips she gets from Charlotte. Mary Jane lives and plots in Ottawa, Ontario, along with her long-suffering husband and two princessy dachshunds. Visit her at www.maryjanemaffini.com
In this age of multitasking and time stress, we’re often run ragged without feeling any benefit from all that effort. But wouldn’t it be great if two things you love came together to bring happiness to other people and you got to have fun too?  Talk about bang for your buck! Finally, I’ve hit on a way to make this happen. A startling amount of my life is 
taken up by my twin obsessions: books and dogs. Wait! Let me begin at the beginning: At any given time I am writing or promoting one of my books or dreaming up another one, with my dogs nearby offering moral support and sometimes story ideas. Otherwise, I can be found reading other people’s books, with a pair of miniature dachshunds cuddled up to share the experience. The only problem with this blissful scenario is that sometimes I really should leave the house. And my dogs need a change of scenery too. Not that there’s anything wrong with spending your days under a blankie.
I have always loved children’s chapter books and story books too. I love also kids and shoes, but let me try to focus here. So I was thrilled to discover a program that brings dogs and young readers together in a way that helps pooch and kiddo. The R.E.A.D. program is under the auspices of Intermountain Therapy Animals www.therapyanimals.org. 
R.E.A.D. stands for Reading Education Assistance Dogs ® Through this remarkable organization, dogs go into schools (and also libraries) and  children meet with the dogs for one-on-one reading sessions. Oh sure, the dog’s handler goes along too, but it’s the bond between dog and child that’s the key to this fabulous and effective program. No, the dog doesn’t read. I have been asked that hundreds of times! The dog sets the stage for a positive relaxed experience. Any child who may need a bit of extra practice, a comfortable relaxed place to gain confidence, an uncritical friend to read with, or just some special attention, can benefit from this. School staff choose the children to participate. The dog’s owner gets to have a wonderful time, but the dog and the child are the focus. This inspiring program is in hundreds of schools and is earning raves for participants and educators, cheers from children and woofs from dogs.
Daisy and Lily are both Therapy Dogs, having behaved just long enough to pass the tests, and Lily has now qualified for R.E.A.D as well. They look quite dashing in their jaunty red scarves. My local group, Ottawa Therapy Dogs www.ottawatherapydogs.ca operates this program in my area and they’ve been wonderful to deal with.
While Daisy is a huge hit visiting people with mild dementia, Lily prefers the company of children. She is looking forward to going to an elementary school in the fall, curling up on a fluffy blanket and meeting some new friends. We are waiting for our school assignment to be confirmed and we believe we’ll get the school we asked for. I’ll be along to lug that blanket as well as supply of books, stickers, bookmarks, hand sanitizer and other paraphenalia. You can tell that Lily enjoys practicing with Teagan and Connor,  the two newest family members. They’re too young for school, but they already love books with animals and Lily doesn’t want to get rusty waiting for the new school term.
There’s just one bit of suspense: I am about to take my Intermountain test. There’s lots to learn in this program and it’s important for all human participants to be well-trained and informed. I have my fingers crossed that I’ll succeed. Wish me luck!
I am grateful to Intermountain and to Ottawa Therapy Dogs for giving Lily and me a chance to do some good while 
doing what we love. For the first time in my life, I really can’t wait for school to start. I hope the kids will like my shoes if they pay any attention to me at all.
In order to share this experience and spread the word a bit, I have encouraged my dogs’ fictional counterparts, Truffle and Sweet Marie — the rescued miniature dachshunds in the 
Charlotte Adams mysteries– to take the tests. There’s plenty of suspense there as well! Truffle and Sweet Marie are very naughty little dogs. They are the first pets Charlotte has ever been owned by and they give her a run for her money. Will they pass the tests? Closet Confidential hits the shelves on July 6th, but don’t bet the farm on the results. But there’s hope for the future, because anything worth doing, is worth doing well.  Take note, Truffle and Sweet Marie, if Daisy and Lily walked the walk, you can too. Sooner or later.
Does this sound like just the ticket for you and your amazing pooch, cat, guinea pig or rabbit to volunteer in your community? Then don’t forget to check out www.therapyanimals.org
June 29, 2010
Posted in: Guest Blogs
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11 Responses
What wonderful causes and such cute gals to inspire others. Congratulations to all of you. Of course, we know that Charlotte gets a lot of help and inspiration from her two pouches. Or is that mayhem and mishaps? Oh well, the books are a lot of fun!
You have indeed combined two loves and many kids will benefit. This program runs in Bracebridge Ontario and a friend of mine and her Rottweiler participate. She reports that she loves every minute of it and I’m sure that you and Lily will be a huge hit when school begins in the fall. Looking forward to the new book.
I’m so impressed with this program and what you and the little princesses are doing. I’m looking forward to hearing more about it. And of course reading Closet Confidential.
That is a wonderful cause and I know you’ll ace the exam with flying colors.
Oh, MJ, this is perfect for you. If I thought that my cats would cooperate I’d look for something similar in the States. I wish all of you the best and I can’t wait for Closet Confidential next week.
MJ, you’re such a wonderful, generous person. What a terrific and worthy project. I foresee everyone, dachshund, children, and you, enjoying the experience. Frankly, while I love those shoes — woohoo! — it would be hard for me not to pay more attention to sweet Lily.
And congratulations on one of the best book titles I’ve heard in a long time — The Busy Woman’s Guide to Murder — love it!
Thanks, Linda. And I am looking forward to your own mysterious title — soon!
Joan, thanks! I’m glad to hear that the program runs in Bracebridge too!
Dru Ann: you’ll hear me whining when I take the test. I’ll remember your words of encouragement.
Mare, the program is in the states. Maybe your cats have been hiding that from you. I am excited about Closet Confidential too! I appreciate the boost.
Krista – I think you’re a shoe gal too. Glad you like The Busy Woman’s Guide to Murder!
MJ
Closet Confidential: a Charlotte Adams mystery
Such a wonderful program, and great photos. Our library has been doing something similar. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for coming by, Kathleen. I would have loved something like this when I was working in the public library, many years ago.
MJ, thanks so much for sharing this story with us. It’s been a pleasure having you as a guest and I hope you’ll come again!
The pleasure was all mine, Lelia. I felt honored to be here, buried under the books with you.
MJ
Closet Confidential: a Charlotte Adams mystery
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