An update from Steve Kozachik, PACC Director
Vol. 1, No. 35 - August 18, 2025
Pets and people heal together
Aphasia is a condition that can affect a person’s ability to speak or understand the written or spoken word. It can be caused by a stroke, blunt trauma, or can be a slow and progressive form of dementia. In many cases, people who have aphasia can recover much of what they’ve lost in terms of speaking and reading ability. Hold that thought.
I’ve written previously about our Paws and Pages program. It’s where people come in and read to our dogs – a calming experience for the pups who are cooped up in kennels. You can sign up for that program through the website linked above.
Ok, back to aphasia. About 8 weeks ago, I met with a person who works with people who have aphasia doing speech therapy. She and I discussed getting her members into a Paws and Pages setting. Without hesitation, she began working with a group, practicing books in weekly sessions, and on week 9 they dropped in for their session of reading to the dogs. Here’s the group in action:
 
The reading/speaking ability of these members varied widely. That’s not important for the success of the reading program. The magic of Paws and Pages is the calm interaction with the people doing the reading relieves the kennel stress the dogs are experiencing. Note these two guys who are just laying and enjoying the book that’s being read to them. When the session started they were just barking.
What a win-win. The pups benefitted – as you can see – and each of the aphasia members had a great time reading to a totally non-judgmental audience. I’m sure we’ll be doing more of the aphasia sessions, and we’d love it if you and your group would come and take part in a Paws and Pages session of your own.
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With thanks,
Steve Kozachik, PACC Director
Want to help? Here's how:
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