Orla the Therapy Dog Visits Lynnfield Public Library

LYNNFIELD - Orla the Therapy Dog and her human, Kate McGrath (Lynnfield Catholic Collaborative's Pastoral Care Coordinator), held their first Reading Day Saturday at the Lynnfield Public Library.

Orla, a registered therapy dog, brought juice boxes and snacks for the kids to enjoy while she made sure they were all comfortable and feeling loved. Meanwhile, Kate read "A Boy Who Became Pope: The Story of Saint John Paul II" by Fabiola Garza. One of the children in attendance, Gianna Sylvester, said that she's usually scared of dogs, but fell in love with Orla. She explained, "She's trained to be gentle."

Orla -- whose name is Gaelic for "golden princess" -- has been a registered therapy dog for six years and regularly visits people in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and libraries. Watch for details for the next Reading Day with Orla or contact Kate McGrath at kmcgrath@ola-smg.org.

Photos by Marie Lagman: Orla the Therapy Dog giving hugs to Britney and Gianna Sylvester; Kate McGrath (Lynnfield Catholic Collaborative's Pastoral Care Coordinator) and Orla; Orla making sure everyone is feeling loved.