Pet Dogs Rival Humans for Emotional Satisfaction

Wrigley and all his Sit Stay Read pals don't know they cause the "cuddle chemical" in people. But we see the joy they bring. It's right there on the faces of the children we serve.

Want scientific proof? At last, here it is! Read the New Scientist article.

Info on Cancer Vaccine for Dogs

Laverne, one of our very first Sit Stay Read dogs and a favorite with all the kids, was recently diagnosed with melanoma. We're glad to report that the prognosis is good but her mom, Jenifer, is looking for info on the new cancer vaccine. If you, or someone you know, has firsthand experience, please email Jenifer at jflynn@nthdegreeservices.com

Here's Jenifer's overview of the situation:

On Dec 19 Laverne had a tumor behind her ear removed and the tumor was diagnosed as being a malignant melanoma. It was a hard little (tiny cyst like thing) under her skin I found while looking for wood ticks last June. I discussed with the vet at that time and we decided it was likely a cyst and not urgent and we would take it out next time she had her teeth cleaned (which I did on December 19). The biopsy came back as malignant melanoma. The tumor was well encapsulated and not very active. There is a 1 in 4 chance or re-growth or metastasis to another area of her body. We do not know at this point if it has metastasized. To find this out, this Wednesday she will have some xrays done of her chest/lungs and a full blood work up. From this, I understand we will find out if the cancer is already spreading.

On the 14^th, we have an appointment with a canine oncologist, Dr. Rhonda Feinmehl. At that point I will know where we stand and what needs to be done next. More than likely, we will start a protocol of injections of a canine melanoma vaccine. It is a clinical trial drug. Here is more information on it .

Regardless of whether the cancer has started to spread it’s likely we will go through with the vaccine protocol to give her the best chance for longtime health/survival. However, my concern at this point is possible side effects. For example, will she be able to still be out in the sun… she does love her belly time in the sun. Any possible thyroid side effects, etc. On the surface this information says there are no side effects, but I find this hard to believe. So, I am going to proceed cautiously and make any decision based on what will give her the best quality of life.

NBC News Features SSR in 2008 Wrap-Up!

There were lots of cheers and tears of joy when we learned that the NBC Nightly News chose to feature Sit Stay Read dogs in their wrap-up of good news for 2008. Wow! And they included all three dogs from the program they filmed---Sugar, Lulu, and Petey. Click on the "Media" label below to view the original story.

Many thanks to all our fabulous dogs and volunteers for bringing the joy of reading to kids in need. Since its start in 2003, Sit Stay Read has helped more than 2,000 children learn to read.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Kids Write About the Holidays

Kids in our Marshall's Place community program got creative in their writing about playing in the snow and spending the holidays with the Sit Stay Read dogs. Click on the doggy drawing to read their stories. I guarantee they'll bring a smile to your face.

Student Winter Stories

How do You Get Your Message Out There?

For the first time ever I have a bumper sticker on my car--what can I say, the election was a heady time and I threw caution to the wind.

I was feeling pretty good about having my message out there, but then I saw this pick-up truck on my way to work the other day. Wow, how's that for being committed to communicating your message?! My favorite (just above the wheel well) is, "Pick up a book not a gun".

I was so inspired I ordered another bumper sticker. Check it out here. What's your message?

Poem of the Month--A Soldier's Christmas

Perhaps you've read the poem "A Soldier's Christmas" in a forwarded email. It's been circulating on the internet since 2000 but I just received it (thanks, Cheryl) and was moved to tears.

Whatever we believe about war, I think we can all agree with the final two stanzas--standing watch is a duty we all share and letting every person know they matter is important.

Here's a link to the full poem that also gives credit to the author, Michael Marks. The final two stanzas are below.

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

Denise Won!

Congratulations to high schooler, Denise Ferguson, for her winning vehicle sticker design! I can't wait to see that yellow Lab on cars all over Chicago.