Rather than the customary scattering after the 3 p.m. schoolbell, on Monday, students at Mohawk Elementary lined up with their parents toreceive a free copy of the book ‘Shelter Dogs - Amazing Stories of Adopted Strays’ by Peg Kehret. 

The book ‘Shelter Dogs -Amazing Stories of Adopted Strays’ was selected for the 2009 Mohawk Reads One Book program. The idea behind the unique program, originally launched by Mohawk librarian DeeAnn Douglas three years ago, is to encourage kids to read over the summer.  Douglas said,  I decided to go back to Peg Kehret, because our first book brought on so much discussion.   I was also looking for a feel good book in these tough times.” As a follow-up, when school reconvenes in the fall an all-school bookclub will be held. 

An integral part of the program, which has been a big hit with students, parents and teachers at Mohawk, is the funding behind it to pay for the books. For the second year, the CHIEFS organization, a local community group, covered the cost of the books. The CHIEFS are a local group with a mission of doing good deeds for neighbors and schools to make a difference in the community by being involved.

Past book selections for the all-school read include, Small Steps by Peg Kehret and Regular Guy by Sarah Weeks. The books chosen appeal toall age groups and always have a life lesson woven into the story. 

Helping hand out the books on Monday were RISD Superintendent, Dr. David Simmons and Mohawk Principal, Billie Snow and the CHIEFS organization. 

To go along with the theme of the book ‘Shelter Dogs -Amazing Stories of Adopted Strays’ the students got to meet Chili, who was a rescue dog and is now a therapy dog in the Dallas area.  Chili is a loving dog who was abused as a puppy and suffered from spinal cord damage. Chili is now able to be mobile after being custom fit for a wheelchair for disabled animals.  She is a happy dog and she brings joy to everyone she meets.

Rosie, a golden retriever mix, was also at Mohawk to greet the kids as they came out of school on Monday.  Rosie is now a therapy dog, who was rescued by Michelle Danches.  Danches has rescued and trained several shelter dogs. Rosie has earned her AKC Good Canine Citizen certificate and enjoys participating community events.