D Reading to dogs is an unusual way to help children improve their literacy skills (读写能力).With their shining brown eyes, wagging tails, and unconditional love, dogs can provide the nonjudg- mental listeners needed for a beginning reader to gain confidence, according to Intermountain Thera - py Animals (ITA) in Salt Lake City. The group says it is the first program in the country to use dogs to help develop literacy in children, with the introduction of Reading Education Association Dogs (READ). The Salt Lake City Public Library is sold on the idea. 'Literacy specialists admit that children who read below the level of their fellow pupils are often afraid of reading aloud in a group, often have lower self-respect, and regard reading as a headache, ' said Lisa Myron, manager of the children's department. Last November the two groups started 'Dog Day Afternoon' in the children's department of the main library. About 25 children attended each of the four Saturday-afternoon classes, reading for half an hour. Those who attended three of the four classes received a 'pawgraphed” book at the last class. The program was so successful that the library plans to repeat it in April, according to Dana Thumpowsky, public relations manager. 69. What is mainly discussed in the text? [ A] Children's reading difficulties. [ B ] Advantages of raising dogs. [ C ] Service in a public library. [ D] A special reading program.