Kids line up to read to the lonely-looking dog

This story combines several things close to my heart - children, reading, and rescued dogs, retired greyhounds in particular.

John Muellner adopted Sting, a retired racing greyhound, about 7 years ago. Since that time, Sting has gained credentials as a certified therapy dog, visiting children at a local hospital. Once a week, Sting heads over to the White Bear Lake Library in Minnesota for their "Paws to Read" program for kids. As children's librarian Ann Wahlstrom describes it, the program is designed to be non-threatening, a chance for kids to practice their oral reading skills to a mellow, captive audience. Three children sign up to read to Sting for 20 minutes when he visits.

One night last week, no one came to read to Sting. Muellner posted this picture of the lonely-looking dog on his Facebook page.

The photo went viral.

The phone at the library started to ring off the hook. People from around the country have called and offered to read or sing to Sting over the phone. And local kids have signed up to read to him. Sting's reading time is now booked through April.