What’s better than kids and pets? Maybe children reading stories to shelter animals waiting to be adopted? Well, this exists at several shelters across the United States. One such program is called Book Buddies, located in Pennsylvania, that allows littles to read to homeless cats. Another one called the Keystone to Discovery Enrichment Program, where Montana at-risk youth read to shelter pets.
Why is this important, you may ask? Because it gives the opportunity for kids to practice their reading skills in a safe and nonjudgmental environment and makes them empathetic towards animals. It is also beneficial to the animals because it is very soothing in a stressful environment, and prepares the pets for their future around people and in a forever home. And awareness is created about the plight of homeless animals, resulting in higher pet adoption rates. It’s a win-win all around.
Interested in starting a program like this in your community? Comment below!
