As Creed Kersh read aloud, Stavros mostly listened intently. But sometimes his ears perked up if something interesting happened in the background at the Edmond Public Library.

Creed is a 9-year-old boy. Stavros is a 100-pound Great Dane.

Creed and the big black dog with white paws were instant pals.

“He's big,” Creed said as he patted the gentle dog's head.