OUR MEMBERS AT WORKNSTA teams volunteer by visiting with the patients/residents, visitors and staff at a variety of facilities, such as local hospitals, rehab centers, shelters, assisted-living facilities, nursing homes, Veteran's homes, Alzheimer's care units, the Ronald McDonald House and Courage Center. Many of our teams are members of North Star Readers, NSTA's reading program. Reading to animals is a way for children to potentially improve literacy skills in an effective and fun manner. North Star Readers teams work within the Hennepin County public library system as a part of their "Paws to Read" program. Teams also participate in reading programs at schools, other libraries and hospitals. To be a member of this group, the handler is required to attend a workshop that teaches him/her how to participate in a therapy animal reading program with his/her animal partner. Several members also volunteer with other animal-related organizations in the metro area, such as animal rescue, shelters and breed-specific and/or all-breed clubs. Many also participate in other dog-related events such as conformation, obedience, agility and rally. 
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