What could be better than curling up with a good book on a cold winter day? How about doing it with a big, furry companion who enjoys tummy rubs?

On Saturday, Wendy, a 10-year-old German Shepherd, listened while kids read to her at the Oxford Public Library as part of the annual Read to a Dog program.

Reading aloud to canines is a technique used to help build confidence and self-esteem in youngsters because the four-legged audience never criticizes, corrects or ridicules their abilities.

“I think it gives the kids the opportunity to read without judgment. They don’t have to feel nervous,” said Daniel Axford Elementary first-grade teacher Jessica Bull, who brought her daughters, Maggie and Addison, to read to Wendy. “I also think it’s just fun.”

“The dog doesn’t tell them they made a mistake or they mispronounced something,” said Oakland Township resident Fred Rosvold, Wendy’s master.

Rosvold welcomed Wendy into his home when she was 7 weeks old and began raising her for the Rochester Hills-based Leader Dogs for the Blind.

When Wendy was 5 months old, it was discovered she had a problem with her elbows that required surgery, according to Rosvold. She’s fine now, but the issue prevented her from becoming a guide dog.

Rosvold kept Wendy and trained her to become a therapy dog.

“She’s certified by Therapy Dogs International,” he said.

Together, they have visited senior living communities, libraries, churches, schools and hospitals.

“We’ve probably made somewhere in the neighborhood of 2,000 visits,” Rosvold said. “We’d go to visit maybe five or six (places) in one week. In a year, that adds up. I like to do it. She likes to do it. She enjoys being with the kids.”

Rosvold described Wendy’s temperament as “very mild.”

“She has never tried to hurt anyone,” he said. “I attribute some of that to the fact she’s from Leader Dog stock. They breed their own puppies. I think that’s where that comes from.”

Read to a Dog continues at the Oxford library throughout March on Saturdays and Mondays. To schedule an appointment for a child, please call (248) 628-3034. There are only a few time slots left.