Community Corner

Rusty Loves Readers

The Lemon Grove Branch Library welcomed a four-legged visitor on Saturday.

Although many children were timid, all were curious about Rusty, Lemon Grove’s very own therapy dog, during his visit to the library Saturday. Some even petted him.

“I love you!” said one teenager to Rusty. “He’s so adorable! I want a big dog like him.”

The 10-year-old golden retriever, who is also part chow, visited the  so young readers could read stories to him. Rusty and his owner, Mary Ann Merrell, come to the local library from 10 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of every month.

Find out what's happening in Lemon Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“He’s just so lovable,” Merrell said. “He has so much love to give, and it feels good to share it.”

The library program, which launched last month, is intended to help young readers practice their reading skills.

Find out what's happening in Lemon Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Along with Rusty, Merrell brings a handful of dog-related children’s books. Readers can also choose to read their own book or select one from the library’s shelves.

The pair waits in the colorful children’s section where there are rocking chairs, floor pillows and a rug.  

“The idea is that if they’re shy and they need practice, they can read to a dog,” said Merrell, who has lived in Lemon Grove for 20 years. “The dog isn’t going to criticize them. Dogs don’t judge.”

About five or six children approached Rusty last month, Merrell said.

Many children were shy on Saturday, but parents encouraged them to pet Rusty.

“I wish I could get some more kids to interact with him,” Merrell said. “There’s no need to be scared of him. He wouldn’t even hurt a cat.

“We’ll win them over, won't we?” Merrell added to Rusty.

Branch Manager Amparo Madera said she expects more visitors for Rusty once news spreads that the library has a furry friend.

“This is her second week, so it’s going to take a little while for the community to catch on,” said Madera.

The library, Madera added, is thrilled to welcome the four-legged visitor.

“Children are sometimes fearful of dogs that are not their own,” she said. “I think it just kind of opens up a new experience for those children.”

Rusty is certified by Therapy Dogs International, an organization that regulates, tests and registers therapy dogs and their handlers so they can visit nursing homes, hospitals and other institutions.

In addition to the library, Rusty also visits , a senior living community in Lemon Grove.

“You bring him in there and it just makes them smile and light up,” Merrell said.

Merrell began training Rusty soon after she got him from a local shelter when he was just four months old.

He easily passed the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen program, she said.

“I just spent a lot of time training him, because I wanted to have a good dog that I could take places,” she said. “I just believe in having a well-trained dog.”

The woman who administered Rusty’s test recommended he also test for Therapy Dogs International, Merrell explained.

As a therapy dog, Rusty enjoys making others happy, Merrell says. It's a different job than being an assistance dog, though.

“People have assistance animals that they need to take with them to function and do their daily routine,” she said. “He’s not that type of dog. He’s more for comfort or to bring joy to people.”

Merrell hopes Rusty will bring joy to many more readers. Rusty’s next library trip will be on Saturday, March 12.

“I wish more kids will come,” Merrell said. “I’m hoping little by little to get the word out.”


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here