As much as some of us might want to, it’s impossible to take home every rescue cat and dog that ends up at a shelter. Gosh, I would adopt them all if I could, and I bet you would, too. However, the kids in the video below know that, so they’re doing the next best thing. Read on.
The Shelter Buddies Reading Program is an innovative new venture that benefits both kids and dogs. The Human Society of Missouri hosts the program, in which kids read to dogs, preparing the pups for their forever homes. The kids get practice reading, but more importantly, they also develop a greater sense of empathy.
“We wanted to help our shy and fearful dogs without forcing physical interaction with them to see the positive effect that could have on them,” program director Jo Klepacki said. “We launched the program last Christmas, but now we offer it once a month.”
The program brings in kids between ages 6 and 15. They are taught how to read a dog’s body language, so they can tell if the dog is feeling anxious or stressed. Those dogs are the ones that need the most attention, says Klepacki.
The Human Society reports that it has seen a great improvement in the dogs involved in the program. Anxious dogs appear calmer, withdrawn dogs are more outgoing, and high energy dogs have mellowed out a bit. Learn more about this amazing program in the video below.
