Paws for Love 

Painted by artist Kathryn Bennett in 2009, this mural is located at 306 Oak Street. It was created in honor of the therapy dog program that was in effect at the Silver Falls Library for several years. The program incorporated trained therapy dogs to encourage and develop a love of reading and learning in general. The dogs would listen as children read to them; the children feeling at ease since the dogs would not correct them should they make a mistake. These dogs and their owners underwent special training and followed strict guidelines when working with the children and adults. The therapy dogs were also trained to visit individuals at nursing homes or in hospitals. All previous murals in Silverton had been painted in oils, but Ms. Bennett asked Silverton Mural Society if she could use Nova Colors, acrylics designed specifically for use outdoors. It proved to be an excellent choice, since in five years since it was originally painted there are no indications of fading, cracking or peeling.