Reading Barks Out Loud For Reed Students

By Eliza Hallabeck

After reading Kate DiCamillo’s Because of Winn-Dixie, fifth grade students at Reed Intermediate School had the chance to meet two dogs the same breed as the dog who played Winn-Dixie in the movie adaptation of the book on Thursday, May 31.

In the book, Winn-Dixie is described as a mutt, but when the movie was shot, multiple dogs were needed, explained Reed teacher Eric Myhill. A French breed of dog, Berger Picard (pronounced bare ZHAY pee CARR), was found to help the dogs look consistently like each other when filming the movie.

After the students read the book, Mr Myhill said the group of reading students expressed interest in meeting the kind of dog that portrayed Winn-Dixie in the film.

Mr Myhill sent out an announcement to his fellow teachers at Reed saying he was searching for someone who might own or know someone who owned a Berger Picard. Sixth grade teacher Michelle Holda-Vaccaro, who raises Afghan hounds with her husband, responded saying she would share the information, and soon enough two members of the Berger Piccard Club of America from the area responded.

Mr Myhill also organized a “Winn-Dixie” party with Reed teachers Julie Shull, Jessica Fonovic, Jacqueline McMahon, and Reed reading specialist Pam Kohn for the students along with the “Meet the Breed” event.

During the party, Mr Myhill said Winn-Dixie-inspired food and drinks were made available for students.

Because of Winn-Dixie, Mr Myhill said, tells the story of how a dog teaches a girl how to befriend people she meets, and throughout the story the main character meets all kinds of people. Mr Myhill called the Newberry Prize-winning book a sweet story about forgiveness, faith, and love. Because of Winn-Dixie is an appropriate story for any student, said Mr Myhill.

“It’s so special,” said Mr Myhill on Thursday, with a group of students sitting outside in the shade of a tree listening to the presentation and interacting with two Berger Picards. “The kids are so interested in learning about this kind of dog.”

Chester, who entertained the students with a few tricks under the guidance of his owner, was brought to the school for the event by his owners Christina and Taylor Potter. Judi Borysiewicz brought her dog Grace to the school for the day also.

The Berger Picard breed, according to Mrs Potter,  was recently added to the American Kennel Club’s list of breeds. Ms Holda-Vaccaro said the event was a great way to introduce the students to the Berger Picard breed while helping to share information about the Berger Picard Club of America and the breed.