COLERAIN TOWNSHIP, OH (FOX19) - St. John the Baptist School has a new tutor on call, who never assigns homework or gives advice, and can ‘t even read, but gets kids to read nevertheless.

Meet Lincoln, a 4-year old German shepherd, who belongs to St. John’s preschool aide Mary Ann Wolf.  Lincoln is a certified therapy dog and is part of the Tail Waggin’ Tutors program through Therapy Dog International.

Lincoln graduated from TDI a year ago.  Wolf initially became interested in pursuing the certification after reading about the calming affects therapy dogs have on adults and children. The pair’s initial visits were to nearby nursing homes visiting with older adults, but she hoped to bring Lincoln to the classroom as part as the TDI’s reading program.

SHARONVILLE, OH (FOX19) - A fundraising Campaign Kickoff is being held 3:00 p.m. Thursday January 19 in Sharon Centre, 11450 Lebanon Road, in Sharon Woods.

This event begins the fundraising campaign for the new Simmonds Family Dog Park to be located in Miami Whitewater Forest.  The goal of the campaign is to raise $500,000 to make the 11-acre facility a reality and create the largest dog park in southwestern Ohio. 

Hamilton County Parks Foundation President Jon Hoffheimer and Hamilton County Park District Executive Director Jack Sutton will say a few words about the campaign.  Campaign chair

John Ruthven will be there, as will Harold Dates, SPCA Cincinnati President and CEO.

WHITEWATER TOWNSHIP, OH (FOX19) - Naturalists from the Hamilton county Park District will present a program called "Who Pooped in the Park? Tracks, Scats and Signs" this weekend.

That's a serious questions for those who try to track animals, and one that will be addressed in a program at Miami Whitewater Forest at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Those who attend will learn about different ways that some animals leave their mark and make a wildlife tracking guide during this program in the Visitor Center. This program is free.

To find the Visitor Center, take Harrison Pike east form the city of Harrison or west from Miamitown, look for a park entrance, and follow the signs.  From 128 coming north from Miamitown or south from New Haven Road, look for the park entrance on the opposite side of the road from the river and follow the signs.  A daily or annual park pass is required to drive in Miami Whitewater Forest.