At Custom Quality Build, we believe that building strong communities is just as important as building quality homes. As the daughter of the owner and the person leading our community relations efforts, I’ve always looked for ways to give back in meaningful, personal ways.

That’s why launching the Paws & Pages program at the Lethbridge Public Library has been one of the most special projects I’ve ever been part of—because this one came straight from the heart.

A Personal Story That Sparked Something Bigger

As a kid, I was shy. I loved books but hated reading out loud in front of others. Then one day, I was introduced to a program where children could read to therapy dogs. No pressure. No judgment. Just a big, furry listener and a book in my hands.

It changed everything. I started speaking up more. Reading became something I looked forward to. I’ve never forgotten how that experience helped shape my confidence.

Years later, I realized that nothing like that existed in Lethbridge—so I decided to bring it here.

With the support of Custom Quality Build, we helped launch the Paws & Pages program in partnership with the Lethbridge Public Library. What began as a childhood memory became a growing, beloved literacy initiative in our community.

What Is Paws & Pages?

Held at the Lethbridge Public Library’s Main Branch, Paws & Pages invites children to sign up for 15-minute reading sessions with certified therapy dogs. It’s designed for all kids, but especially those who are shy, struggling, or just learning to read. The dogs sit quietly, listen patiently, and offer the kind of comforting presence that builds confidence and connection.

The program has become so popular that sessions now fill up quickly—often with a waitlist—proving just how much families in Lethbridge value it.

At one of our first sessions, a little girl came in with her mom. She was quiet, unsure, holding a book close to her chest and glancing nervously at the door. She kept looking up at her mom as if silently asking if she really had to stay.

Then she saw Teddy—a big, fluffy St. Bernese and white poodle mix—lounging peacefully nearby. She hesitated for a moment, then walked over and sat beside him.

Her reading started off soft and shaky, but with each page, her voice grew more confident. She even gave her story’s characters voices: the princess spoke in a sassy British accent, the dragon had a deep rumble, and the brave knight squeaked with energy. Teddy sat quietly, head slightly tilted, as if taking in every word.

When her session ended, she looked up at me and beamed:
“Can I keep doing this?â€

That one sentence made everything worth it.

Why It Matters

Confidence – For kids who find reading out loud intimidating, dogs provide a gentle and reassuring audience.
Love of Literacy – These sessions turn reading into a fun, empowering experience.
Connection – It’s about more than books. It’s about bonding—with animals, with community, and with themselves.

Where We’re Going

Since launching, we’ve worked with the library to expand Paws & Pages, bring in more therapy dogs, and reach more families. I’m actively involved in growing the program, meeting with volunteers, and helping tell the stories that come out of each session.

Custom Quality Build remains the proud sponsor, not just because it reflects our values, but because it’s deeply meaningful to my family, our company, and me personally.


Join the Journey

If you’re a parent, teacher, or dog lover—Paws & Pages is something special to experience. Keep an eye on the Lethbridge Public Library’s events page to register your child, or reach out to learn how to support or volunteer.

And if your business wants to partner on future community projects, I’d love to chat.


At Custom Quality Build, we build more than homes.
We build moments that matter—one paw, one page, and one story at a time.