Fire Chief John deHooge of Waterloo is a supporter of the Waterloo Public Library's Reading 911 calendar for 2009, which celebrates literacy and reading. He recently read:

MARLEY & ME: LIFE AND LOVE WITH THE WORLD'S WORST DOG

by John Grogan (HarperCollins Canada, 320 pages, $14.95 softcover)

"A number of years ago, my wife Heather and I became a foster family for the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guide Program. Tango, our first puppy, was a chocolate lab that had been turned in by another foster family because he was unmanageable.

"To make a long story short, he was a spaz. We laugh now recalling the many chases throughout the house because Tango had a dish towel, toilet paper or some other object in his mouth. What we remember most, though, is the unconditional love this playful, energetic and spastic dog gave us. And we were proud as new parents when Tango graduated and was partnered with a young blind girl heading off to university.

"I guess I should talk about the book now. Heather and I grew to love dogs in a big way -- and this summer we took the opportunity to read Marley & Me while on vacation.

First, if you've never owned a dog, you won't get it -- at least not in the same way dog lovers will. For dog lovers, this book strikes a profound chord in your heart and you won't be able to put it down.

"The memorable life story of Marley and John's growing family will make you both laugh and cry. I recall reading this book poolside and feeling the stares of others as I broke out in hysterical laughter.

"Marley & Me will remain one of my personal favourites."

The Reading 911 calendar features photos of local emergency personnel reading to children. It's sold for $16 at the Waterloo Public Library. Proceeds support library programming and literacy activities.