Cathy Benson | The Botetourt View

Kodiak and Mark Catron hope to win The Simple Essential Treats Talent Show.

Tired of snow stories? Here is a real treat -- no pun intended -- a dog story!

Kodiak the dog is a familiar sight in Botetourt County.

He is a service dog that accompanies owner Mark Catron to Mill Mountain Coffee in Daleville.

Kodiak is also seen at events at Blue Ridge Vineyard, where Catron serves up wine tastings and works in the vineyard.

They are best friends, too. "Kody" is an affable golden retriever-lab mix, and he possess a secret ability!

Now he has plenty of talents. He can put trash in the trash can. He loves to schmooze with customers, and he has the best wag in the county.

Matter of fact, Kodiak never meets a stranger. He is a good dog, though, and forces himself to lie down and watch people from afar.

A smile lets him know that a customer is up to giving him a friendly pat on the head. Yet there is one thing that really sets him apart!

Kodiak can read. No joke, and there is a video to prove it.

Catron entered Kodiak in the Simple Essentials Treats Talent Show.

The grand prize is a $5,000 American Express gift card. See the Notebook at botetourtview.com to watch a video of Kodiak reading.

You will be sufficiently impressed with his skills, we think.

Maybe no Accelerated Reader points, but he sure follows directions well.

If the duo win? Well there's a vet visit pending equal to a spa treatment, no doubt, and maybe some new tires on the car.

Good luck, Kodiak.

We'll let everyone know what happens.