Dog Team Profile

Darla & Jen!

While Darla is still too young to be a fully Certified Reading Assistance Dog, we’re thrilled to share her story as SitStayRead’s Dog of the Year for 2024. She’s a SitStayRead volunteer in the making and we can’t wait to see all she’ll accomplish as she grows!

Certified Good Girl

Meet Darla

Darla is a little dog with a huge personality! She loves to play and grab everyone’s attention, but can be super judgy with that distinct dachshund side-eye! 

She catches on quickly to tricks – she will do all of them without being commanded if you put a treat in front of her nose! Darla is a huge mama’s girl and loves to snuggle with Jen.

Blue animal paw prints of various sizes scattered on a plain white background, with the largest print on the left and smaller prints trailing to the right.
A woman in a white top smiles while holding a brown and white dog indoors. Another person stands in the background.

Darla’s Adoption Story

Jen picked up Darla on New Year’s Day 2024 in South Bend, IN. She was one of four in her litter. Darla barked the first 2 minutes in the car, but then slept in Jen’s arms the entire way home.

Darla’s Personality

Like every dog, Darla has a personality all his own. From his favorite activities to his quirky dislikes, these little details are what make him such a memorable companion for the students he meets.

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Darla’s Favorite Things

Darla loves napping on her mom’s weighted blanket. Her favorite toys are ones that make crinkle noises. Darla’s playing style is chasing and being chased. Her favorite dog treat is chicken jerky, and she also LOVES vanilla or mango gelato (but Jen only give that on special occasions)! 

Blue cross with a white paw print in the center, suggesting a veterinary or pet care symbol.

Darla’s Least Favorite Things

Darla hates the garbage trucks and walking on street vents.

Illustration of a hand reaching to pet a dog's head with a red heart above the dog, symbolizing affection or care for animals.

Darla’s Perfect Day

Darla’s perfect day would be spending time at the dog park running around, followed by snuggles and gelato with mama and aunt.

Cartoon illustration of a person with brown hair and a blue jacket sitting next to a gray dog wearing a red collar.

Darla’s Nicknames

Jen has several nicknames for Darla: Baby Bop, Boppy, Bopperini, Darty, and Darlita.

Three people crouch on a sidewalk to pet a small brown and white dog on a leash. One person holds a striped bag, another holds a water bottle, and a third holds a frisbee.
A brown and white dog on a leash stands among stacks of books laid out on a concrete surface, including comics, novels, and copies of a book titled "Fetching.
A dog on a leash walks past two large bowls filled with red tennis balls on a sunny sidewalk.
A woman in a white dress smiles while holding a brown and white dog in a spacious indoor setting with other people in the background.

Meet Darla’s Human

How Jen Found SitStayRead

Jen was introduced to SitStayRead through a friend, Luciano. Jen has attended the Bark ‘N Ball twice. Darla’s first Bark ‘N Ball was this past year when she was only 6 months old! Once she is a bit older, Jen plans to get her certified as a Reading Assistance Dog Team with SitStayRead.

Meet More SitStayRead Dog Teams

Every SitStayRead dog team brings a unique personality to the program, but they all share one important role: helping children feel more confident as readers.

Meet Other Dog Teams

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