Tewksbury Library Says Good Bye To Beloved Therapy Dog

TEWKSBURY, MA — You don't have to know how to read — or even speak — to help someone else learn how to read. Prince, a "reading therapy" dog, helped dozens of kids learn how to read by listening in the nonjudgmental way only a dog can since he started showing up for the Tewksbury Public Library's "Barks & Books" program several years ago. The library announced on its Facebook page Tuesday that Prince had died.

"Prince was well-loved by everyone, staff and patrons alike," the library said. "We will miss his good nature, his ever wagging tail, and the way he loved to lean on you while you pet him."

Within a few hours, dozens of people had offered their condolences, as well as their own Prince memories, on the library's Facebook page. Prince offered his services at several Merrimack Valley libraries. The program aims to give kids a chance to snuggle and cuddle with a kid-friendly dog. The dogs also listen to kids as they read, helping them gain confidence as they practice reading out loud.