Reading to a dog helps children learn, have fun
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

PARTNERS- Nikhil Crain and his golden doodle pal, Neka, work together to help children overcome difficulties with reading.

Neka, a golden doodle (half golden retriever, half poodle) was destined to help people.

The same could be said of Neka's owner Nikhil Crain, a 15year-old Westlake High School student who initially trained Neka as a guide dog for the blind.

Although Neka passed all the necessary tests required of a guide dog, she wasn't ready to part from Nikhil. He said Neka wasn't emotionally ready and simply stopped eating when he tried to help her make the transition to a new owner.

Neka's attachment to Nikhil turned out to be fortuitous for both the freshman and the curly-haired dog. Nikhil worked with Neka as a therapy dog and discovered she had a knack for comforting patients in hospitals and convalescent homes.

"Neka can sense other people's emotions, definitely," Nikhil said. "She can tell when I'm sad."

After reading an article about a program called READ (Reading Education Assistance Dogs), Nikhil knew Neka had a higher calling. The program would allow the pair to work together helping children overcome struggles with reading.

Both Neka and Nikhil needed training. For two months, Nikhil and Neka attended weekly classes, practiced commands and "developed a sense of teamwork," he said. Neka had to learn how to sit or lie down for prolonged periods and to be completely obedient. Nikhil, on the other hand, had to demonstrate that he was sufficiently trained to be Neka's able handler. He earned a license from "Love on a Leash," followed by certification in the READ program.

Nikhil has big plans for Neka. He will assist Park Oak Elementary reading specialist Jeri Cowen during summer school starting in August and hopes to host several reading events for children at bookstores and libraries.

Nikhil's first reading event is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Sat., May 19 at Barnes & Noble in the Promenade. Dubbed "Read with a 4-Footed Friend," the program will allow children to read their favorite books to Neka and other READ-certified dogs.

Nikhil will guide the session by giving cues to the children and Neka. As an example, he said if the child doesn't know a word in the story he or she is reading, Nikhil may say, "Neka doesn't understand that word," and ask the child to figure out what the word means in the context of the story.

"The goal of the program is to have kids make a connection to reading," Nikhil said.

Owners of READ dogs are expected to arrange their own events. Nikhil's mother, Dr. Neeta AmbeCrain, said her son "singlehandedly contacted the Thousand Oaks Barnes & Noble event coordinator and with her assistance has been able to set up the event."

Nikhil, she said, "is in the process of recruiting other therapy/ guide dog handlers to join him at the READ demonstration," Ambe-Crain said. She said Sally Calle, principal of Glenwood Elementary School in Thousand Oaks, has expressed a "strong interest" in allowing Nikhil to work with the school's English language learners.

Nikhil is one busy boy, but appears to thrive on his fast-paced schedule. He is a member of Westlake High's Mock Trial team, plays the baritone saxophone with the school's wind symphony, aces rigorous academic classes, is a member of his school's track team and still finds time to scuba dive and hang out with friends.

Nikhil prefers to focus on the rewards of his busy life. "I really can't imagine doing anything better than motivating a kid's interest in reading, while having a lot of fun at the same time," he said. "It's so rewarding."

Although Nikhil's mother worries about her son's hectic schedule and the possibility of burnout, she is proud of her son's compassion and generosity.

"It's good to see that he already understands that those who have been given a great deal have an even greater responsibility to give to others," Ambe-Crain said.