Gorgeous Jack O Lantern Pups

Not sure where these photos came from so my apologies for not being able to credit them but they were too good not to share. Of course I love the Beagle one because it looks like Shandy.

Moved to Tears--In a Good Way

I dare any dog lover, but especially our Sit Stay Read volunteers, to read Joy Butler's incredibly touching story about Shandy and not be moved.

True, I may be biased, but the final paragraph brought me to tears and sent me looking for Shandy for a hug.

Although she spends most of her workday under my desk Shandy still finds time to take new dogs, like Jack here, under her wing and show them the ropes. That's my girl!

Sit Stay Read in Today's News!

We're so excited!

Be sure to pick-up today's Chicago Sun-Times and check-out the great article on the Sit Stay Read program at Sunlight African Community Center! You can read the story here but you'll want to grab the newspaper so you can see the photos of Tojo, Stella, and the kids.

He Says Reading Saves Lives

Members of the President's cabinet are in Chicago today to address ways to combat teenage violence. I hope they read the article Mourning in Chicago in the October issue of The Atlantic.

I'm sure it's no surprise that the story is about the terrible toll murder is taking on the children of our city. Told through funeral home proprietor Spencer Leak Sr, the article chronicles the loss of young lives on Chicago's south Side.

It's not a pretty story but one worth reading. The final paragraph is especially compelling. Mr. Leak ends with a hopeful appeal to President Obama to, "devote some attention to low-income children who can't read. They are our future murderers," he says.

While I agree with Mr. Leak, at Sit Stay Read we prefer to present ideas in a positive light. Hence our new t-shirt design--Teach Reading, Save Lives. Yes, it's that important.

A Rottweiler's Vigil

This story from the CBS Sunday Morning News will warm your heart.

Be sure your pup is nearby because you'll want a big furry hug. We never know what the next moment will bring so keep your loved ones close.

This is an Original David Hockney

Reading The NY Review of Books sometimes feels like doing homework--it's challenging, it opens your mind, you know you "should" finish it, but it feels daunting. What keeps me reading is finding a gem that makes me wonder where else I'd find that article or hear about that story.

Today's gem is an article on David Hockney's passion for using the iPhone Brushes app. A wonderful glimpse into the mind of a creative genius who, at 72, is still embracing new tools to share his vision.

And, because of that, I'm able to share an original David Hockney with you! This is one of a series of paintings of dawn seen from his bed. How cool is that?!

Only thing cooler would be seeing it on an iPhone. I'd even break the bank and buy one if I was on Mr. Hockney's speed dial list.

Lawrence Weschler's article is well worth reading in full but this closing quote is my favorite, "People from the village," he says, craning back over that shoulder, "come up to me and tease me, 'We hear you've started drawing on your telephone.' And I tell them, 'Well, no, actually, it's just that occasionally I speak on my sketch pad.'"

Librarian Changed his Life

If you're in need of a lift today, look no further than this inspiring story.

Back in 1956 a boy stole a library book. Unbeknown to him, the librarian saw him take it. Rather than confront him, she came up with a plan to secretly help him on the path to becoming a great reader.

Thanks to StoryCorps, you can actually hear Olly Neal tell his story to his daugher, Karama (pictured.) Awesome.

My Special Pumpkin

Happy October!

Although Shandy's not a big fan of costumes, she's occasionally deigned to wear something festive for the kids. I can't believe this photo of my little pumpkin is from way back in 2003. Cauren must be in 8th grade now. Wow.

If your pup is a Halloween fan, be sure to enter the photo contest by our friends at Puplife.com You could win a $100 gift certificate!