Gentle Bernese Mountain Dog Koda with his striking tri-colored coat and soulful, kind eyes
2 photos of Koda
Koda
Handler: Steven Wright
A gentle Bernese Mountain Dog with a heart as big as his paws. Koda's calm strength comforts the most nervous readers.
Koda's Story
Koda, whose name means 'friend' in Sioux, was destined for therapy work from his first puppy breath. Handler Steven Wright, a former mountain rescue volunteer, adopted Koda from a breeder who specialized in therapy-temperament Bernese Mountain Dogs. Even as a puppy, Koda had an unusual stillness—he would sit patiently for hours, seemingly content just to be near people. His size (110 pounds of fluffy gentle giant) could be intimidating, but his eyes radiate such warmth that children gravitate toward him naturally. At 4 years old, Koda has become the program's 'comfort specialist,' often assigned to children dealing with difficult circumstances beyond reading anxiety—family changes, grief, or big life transitions that affect their learning.
A Heart-Warming Moment
Nine-year-old Emma had stopped reading after her grandfather passed away. Grandpa had been her reading buddy, and books now felt painful. Her teacher gently suggested Paws & Pages, not for reading practice but for comfort. Emma's first session, she didn't bring a book. She just sat next to Koda and cried into his thick fur. 'He's soft like Grandpa's sweater,' she whispered. Week after week, Emma came. Slowly, she started talking to Koda about Grandpa. Then she brought Grandpa's favorite book: 'The Velveteen Rabbit.' She read it to Koda, crying through parts, but she finished it. 'Koda, Grandpa would've liked you,' she said. By spring, Emma was reading new books to Koda every week. Reading was no longer painful—it was a way to honor her grandfather. 'Grandpa's watching me read from heaven,' she told Steven. 'And Koda's watching me read from right here.'
Ready to meet Koda?
Koda and Steven Wright are available for reading sessions at participating libraries. Sign up today to experience the magic of reading with a furry friend!
Questions About Our Program?
We'd love to tell you more about how our therapy dogs help children become confident readers.