DALEVILLE, Ind. — Children in this homespun Indiana town have a rapt audience of one when they read their favorite book aloud at the local library every Tuesday.
Sitting at perky-eared attention on the rug in the children's section is Sebastian, a Shetland sheepdog who loves to be read to. William Hensley, 7, selected "Clifford's First Valentine Day" to read to Sebastian recently, mainly because it is the tale of a puppy and he considers Sabastian "a special dog" who would enjoy the story. And that he did. Sebastian listened intently to young William tell how the puppy Clifford falls into a chute at the post office, disappears into a mountain of mail and is rescued in time to celebrate Valentine's Day.
"Our children love to read to the dog," said Jessica Clidence, assistant librarian. "Sebastian is so wonderful to sit there and pay attention to what they are reading. It helps to build their confidence."
He also inspires them, she said, because Sebastian had one of his legs surgically removed after a car accident.
Steve Overmyer, Sebastian's owner, said he adopted the dog from a local animal shelter upon learning Sebastian was scheduled to be put to sleep. Overmyer, a library patron, soon discovered Sebastian's joy of listening to children read to him. So he arranged for the weekly session at the library.
"One little boy came in with his mom and they sat on the floor together while he read," said Overmyer. "All of a sudden he realized Sebastian only had three legs. He turned to his mother and said that he wanted to bring his sister in to meet him. She was in a wheelchair."
Details for this story were provided by the Anderson, Ind., Herald-Bulletin.
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
Johnson: Don't Blame Islam or UK Policy
Raw: 80-Year-Old Climbs Mount Everest
Wash. State Man Arrested Following Ricin Scare
Chain-Reaction School Bus Crash Injures About 50
Raw: Scuffles in London After Hacking Death
Texas Students Coach Teachers on Fitness
New Forecasting Tool Eyed for Hurricane Season
Meet MJ, the Bike Riding Tabby Cat
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam
Raw: Kevin Durant Tours Moore After $1M Pledge
Man Shot While Questioned in Boston Probe
Weiner Launches Bid to Become NYC Mayor
School Storm Protection Spotty in Tornado Zones
Moore Native Toby Keith Tours Tornado Damage
