Cool Idea of the Day: Zoey, the Reading Therapy Dog

Every third Saturday at the Falling Rock Cafe and Bookstore, Munising, Mich., "you can find a gentle Great Dane named Zoey in the children's book section. Children who have difficulties reading are often self-conscious when reading aloud in front of other classmates. Reading to dogs provides a non-judgmental, comforting, furry friend who 'listens' and takes the pressure off a child as he/she practices reading."

Owner Nancy Dwyer said: "When handler Keena Jones approached me about the possibility of having a reading hour with Zoey at the café, I jumped on it! My own love affair with dogs began just a few years ago; a long overdue childhood rite of passage. Cocoa, a 12-week-old Chocolate Labrador puppy became part of our family and her companionship is like no other."