Reading With JamboElementary children are a delight to be with as well as it made me feel young – so reading with Jambo did encourage children to love reading– (Jambo means “hello” in Swahili). How did I begin “reading with children”? Jambo and I went to local elementary schools – spoke with the principal – completed the paperwork for a police check of my background – showed Jambo’s papers - then arranged a one day per week – two to three hour sessions – with four elementary schools. Upon arriving at each school – we checked in at the office to see which classroom would be our treat for the day. Jambo and I would enter the classroom – going to the back where there was usually a chair for me and a rug where Jambo and 4-6 children at a time would sit.
Bouviers have a background of police work – farmer’s all around helpers – guide dogs - keeping watch over cattle at night and pulling a cart to the market during the day. One Bouvier was able to keep a pack of wolves at bay – though frequent bouts with those animals led the farmers into lopping ears and tail to give wolves less to grab. Jambo and Milwaukie Elementary School had a huge article in Portland’s largest paper – with photos – of Jambo working with some of these elementary children. Kids would then take their turn reading with Jambo – petting him all the while. Gentle – oh my YES! He knew who was good and who was bad. Kids adored him! Jambo sang for and with the children. I don’t think we ever left a class room without at least one song.
Behind this cover page are three pages of comments from the students. This 'card' from the children is about 18 X 30 inches.MY love of reading has long been a passion – and it was my goal to pass this passion on to those kids – oh the huge number of cards, notes and posters given to thank Jambo and me for helping them learn to love reading also! Oh how I miss my Jambo….
Jambo loved to sing so much – in fact, it got to the point where I couldn’t even begin to hum, sing or whistle without him immediately joining in – even at home - walking - or in the car.Dog health wasn’t an issue with him – he ate primarily – total vet bills I am sure were less than $150 during the 7 years we were together – most of that was to run Titers to show he didn’t need more shots. Jambo was my best friend for many years. He was a precious pet. If you want to read about the ending of his life, take a look at this article: Jambo's Ending |
This isn’t a good photo – Note how the camera deleted my hair – can’t understand why it didn’t do the same for the children-Jambo was a Bouvier de Flandres – a breed not for everyone – but one with so many wonderful qualities. 