This Therapy Dog Was Devastated When No One Showed Up For His Special Event

However, the internet made up for it.

Alexandra

• Published in Animals
• February 14, 2018

Meet Sting, a therapy dog whose job in life is to listen to people and provide comfort. And he's pretty freakin' good at it! Over the past couple of years, Sting has been working as a therapy dog with the "Paws To Read" program in Minnesota. 

The event takes place at the White Bear Lake Library and works with young children (ages 4 to 8) to become more comfortable with their reading skills and helps them to become more confident when reading aloud. How does Sting do it? Well, he literally sits next to the children as they work on reading projects and his presence puts them at ease.

How cool of a job is that?

Meet Sting

Sting loves working with these children and the event usually has a huge turnout. However, last week his heart was broken after realizing that no one was coming to read.

Sting Waited For The Kids To Come And Read

John Muellner is Sting's handler and was under the assumption that even though the winter was a slow time for the program, some children would still come to the event and read. He mentioned, "I actually knew nobody signed up that afternoon, but Ann the librarian was going to try and drum up some business,". Although Mueller knew that the turn out might be small, Sting was completely hopeful that it would work out in the end. 

Sting Looked Heartbroken While He Waited

In the pictures, Sting appears to be really disappointed that no one attended the event. It's heartbreaking, to say the least!

As Mueller witnessed how brokenhearted Sting was, he decided to post the story on his Facebook. 

Sting's Handler Posted The Heartbroken Pup on Facebook

Not surprisingly, Sting's story gained some major attention on the social media site and went viral. There was a large outreach from people showing their support and love to Sting and some even wanted to travel to Minnesota to have Sting sit with them while they read! Mueller was shocked by the feedback and support his post received, "I guess these days nothing surprises me with the internet. But the amount and with responses worldwide is a bit astounding." 

The best part about it all? Sting's sessions are now completely booked with children eager to read to him! 

Sting is Happiest When He's Being Read To

Thankfully, these fully-booked sessions have brought nothing but happiness to Sting and his days of heartbreak are long over! 

Cheers to you Sting!

Alexandra