"It's relaxing," said fourth-grader Shawn Olson.

"It helps me read better," said fourth-grader Josh Ruch. "I like the dog so much."

"She listens, and she follows the book," said fourth-grader Jessie Perez.

"It relaxes the kids, and studies show it lowers kids' blood pressure," Burton said.

Kids with short attention spans are able to finish books. "That in itself is a feat," Burton said. Some who were reluctant to read at all now are into chapter books.

Tabby does more than just sit there.

She seems to know when children are upset, and she tries to help, by nudging or "kissing" them, Burton said.

Burton was a limited-term employee this year, filling in for another teacher, and she hasn't been hired for the coming year. She's hoping a position will come open before September.

But no matter what happens, Jackson School might still feature canine learning next fall. Other teachers have noticed Tabby's success, and they're talking about getting dogs registered in hopes of using them more extensively next school year.

Burton said she just hopes she's started something that will help kids learn.

Web site helps fund reading program

Teacher Helen Burton needed help with her dog-reading program, so she applied to DonorsChoose.org.

The nonprofit Web site matches teachers' classroom needs with anyone who wants to help.

Burton asked for $777 to pay for low-level, high interest books, cushions, pillows or seats to sit on and a bookshelf.

U.S. Cellular saw the request and decided to fund the project, dubbed "Tales with Tabby."

For more information, go to www.DonorsChoose.org.