A Good Listener Retires: Mamaroneck Library Honors Mr. Pickles
by Robert Stark -
Recently, the Mamaroneck Public Library recognized one of its long standing volunteers upon his retirement with a good-bye celebration. Mr. Pickles, a former stray dog who was rescued and trained as a therapy dog, left his post after more than a decade.
Every Monday afternoon, Mr. Pickles, accompanied by his owner and handler, Jennifer Jones, came to the library to quietly sit with beginner readers as they practiced reading aloud.
Mr. Pickles Found on the Streets and Gets a New Life
About eleven years ago, Mr. Pickles was found alone and on the streets in the Bronx. He was rescued and brought to the Humane Society shelter in New Rochelle. Soon after, he was adopted by Ms. Jones and enrolled in training with Therapy Dogs of Rockland County, where they were both trained to work together.
After the pair graduated, they volunteered at the library to help young readers. Reading aloud can be intimidating, particularly for children who lack confidence or worry about making mistakes in front of classmates, teachers or parents. But reading to Mr. Pickles was different. His calm and reassuring presence helped children relax, concentrate and enjoy the experience of reading. Library personnel estimate that Mr. Pickles helped more than 4,000 children with his quiet presence.
Mr. Pickles watched many children enter the library with a book and perhaps a little nervousness. They left with a greater sense of confidence and accomplishment. Mr. Pickles may not have understood every story that was read to him, but he understood how to be present—and, sometimes, that was exactly what a child needed.
First-hand Witness
This author first met Mr. Pickles about ten years ago while mentoring Nathan, a young boy whose family had emigrated from Venezuela. Nathan loved reading to Mr. Pickles. Today, he is a senior at Mamaroneck High School with a promising future.
Mr. Pickles Didn’t Work Alone
His contribution also reflects the dedication of Ms. Jones, who brought him to the library year after year and helped create a warm, welcoming environment for every participating child. Together, they formed a remarkable team, quietly encouraging literacy for one child, one book and one reading session at a time.
Thanks to Ms. Jones, who adopted a former stray she lovingly describes as a “Bronx terrier,” Mr. Pickles found not only a caring home but a purpose in life. And in doing so, he helped thousands of children.
