Reading Dog Lovis Brings Joy to Children at Lödöse Museum

The entrance door swings open at Lödöse Museum, revealing a heartwarming scene as nine-year-old Elias Hoffman rushes in with his mother, Pauline, trailing behind. Elias is eagerly anticipating meeting Lovis, a reading dog waiting inside. "Is that the reading dog? I thought she'd be a bit smaller," he remarks, clad in gloves to prevent getting dirty from her fur. Full of energy, Elias introduces himself to Lovis’s owner, Emelie Henriksson, excitedly declaring, "My name is Elias and I am a paleontologist, which means I research dinosaurs! What is that over there? It looks like a dragon!" Lovis, a gentle Leonberger, strolls into the library to select books for Elias and the other children to read to her. She is part of a special initiative organized by Lödöse Museum to create a calm, enjoyable holiday Monday for children with neuropsychiatric and intellectual disabilities during their winter break. Emelie Henriksson and Lovis thoughtfully select books appropriate for the reading sessions, which last 20 minutes. Each book chosen is long enough to be read to its conclusion before time runs out, ensuring that the experience is engaging and fulfilling for the children. On Lovis’s blue blanket, which reads "social service dog," it signifies that she is trained to assist and manage various types of people. However, her primary expertise lies in listening to children as they read aloud. Elias, brimming with enthusiasm, enters the sensory room where Lovis waits with a pile of books. He selects "Puppy Ville" and sits next to her on the mat. Curiously, he wonders aloud, "Is it dangerous to have dog saliva on my pants? Can it corrode?" Emelie reassures him that there is no danger at all. As Elias reads, Lovis listens attentively, offering both emotional support and comfort with her large paws acting as book supports and her long ears perked to his words. Elias carefully turns the pages of "Puppy Ville," while Lovis gently places her paw on his foot. She then rolls over and lets out a satisfied sigh, causing Elias to giggle, "Now she fell asleep! My sister is an expert on dogs, even though she doesn't have one. She has a hamster!" When he finishes the book, Lovis is rewarded with treats and affectionate pats. Bursting with joy, Elias emerges from the session to excitedly let his mother know, "That went better than expected!" Meanwhile, siblings Isak and Ida Gergils Sahutogullari are meeting Lovis for the first time. Isak, who is seven, expresses his desire for a big dog, gesturing to his mom, Marie. The chosen book is "The Lion and the Mouse," but Isak finds it difficult to focus on reading. Instead, he flips to the last page and quickly returns to cuddling Lovis, enjoying her soft fur rather than the story. Lovis adeptly adapts to the different energy levels of the children; she becomes softer and quieter around the more energetic kids and is equally gentle with those who are withdrawn. Isak claps his hands joyfully when Lovis licks his hand, thrilled at the sensation and showing off the drool to his mother. The next participants, siblings Alma and Ebbe Andersson, arrive with their dad, Niklas. They are apprehensive and cling to their father's hands, unsure as they approach Lovis. "She is really big!" Alma says, opting to crawl into her father's lap. Emelie gently places the cat-themed book in front of little Ebbe, who is just four. Though scared to pet Lovis, the siblings feel comfortable sitting beside her, flipping through the pages of their book about a cat. As Ebbe examines the story, Alma helps turn the pages, both children curious about the tale. When Emelie prompts them, asking what they think will happen next, Lovis responds with a deep sigh, as if participating in the storytelling. The cat in the book ultimately returns home safely, and once the story wraps up, Alma and Ebbe decide it’s time to go home, saying goodbye to Lovis. Another successful day concludes for Lovis, who spends her time bringing joy through reading to children in need. This reading dog, trained extensively at the Swedish Therapy Dog School, not only works at Lödöse Museum but visits libraries, elder care homes, and elementary schools, making a profound difference in the lives of those she meets. Lovis, now three years old and well-loved, enjoys swimming, running, snuggling on the couch, and socializing with new friends, proving that the bond between children and animals is both powerful and heartwarming. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2