Now it is up to Dylan Blount and his mother, Adele Greene.

Today was another breakthrough day in the story of Dylan, a 6-year-old who has been overcoming his fear of dogs by reading and interacting with Elle, a registered therapy dog, in the Tail Wagging Tales program at the Roanoke Rapids Public Library.

Today, with Elle's owner, Leah Brewer, on the opposite side, Dylan walked Elle and didn't want to stop walking.

“I think it means I'm more confident and relaxed,” the child said after several trips around the block near the library.

Dylan in a lighthearted moment during the session.

Dylan still has issues with dogs licking him, but believes in the next few months he will be ready to have his own dog, saying to his mother and Brewer, he likes German shepherds and would like to have a puppy and an older dog.

Today's session started out as normal, Dylan reading to Elle and then encouragement from his mother to pet the dog, although the boy said he didn't want her licking his legs and feet.

“You shouldn't be scared,” his mother said.

“I'm not scared anymore,” the child replied.

“I just want you to pet her so you can go on this wonderful walk,” his mother said.

Dylan did like he has done many times in the past, petting the dog on the back. During the walk, however, his mother at a distance, he would pet the dog on her head, yelling to his mother about this accomplishment.

The walk begins.

Today was also a day in which Brewer broached a new subject, suggesting to Adele to think about raising a foster dog, in which the animal would be a constant part of the family.

Adele balked, however. “I don't like the foster idea. I love animals and wanted to be a vet. When I get a dog I want it to be part of the family. I want to know he (Dylan) is comfortable with that.”

Brewer explained with the foster program, “You have a chance to test it out and if it doesn't work out you don't have to keep it.”

“They do the same thing with children,” Adele replied. “I will go to the shelter or pet store or look at ads in the paper. I want it to be a part of the family.”

After the petting session, it was time for the walk and that's where it seemed everything came together, the child walking in step beside the dog and wanting to continue.

Brewer gives Dylan some instructions.

Brewer could think of no bigger breakthrough. “He wanted to do it. He was cheerful and enthusiastic. It was something he enjoyed doing. There's something about a walk that benefits every body.”

Dylan recognized the importance of today's session. “I think I'm going to be more comfortable walking with Elle.”

As far as a dog for himself, he said, “Maybe like in a few months.”

For more information on Tail Wagging Tales contact the library at 252-533-2890.