These Kids Are Reading To Shelter Dogs To Prepare Them For Home Life.
Let’s face it. When most people look for dogs at their local shelter, they go for the first outgoing, loveable pooch they grow attached to. But where does that leave all of the timid dogs that were psychologically scarred before arriving at the shelter?
To help these dogs work on their social skills, the Humane Society of Missouricreated a program that makes shy canines more adoptable.
Here’s how it works.The Missouri Humane Society’s Shelter Buddies Reading Program pairs kids aged 6 to 15 with scared and traumatised dogs to prepare them for adoption.
After completing a 10-hour training program, the children sit in front of a dog’s kennel and read to them.
“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 told The Dodo.
“Reading to the dogs helps to bring comfort to and reduce the anxiety of shelter pets.”
“Ideally that shy and fearful dog will approach and show interest. If so, the kids reenforce that behavior by tossing them a treat.”
“When children tell stories to the dogs, it also helps them develop their own reading skills.” The project also “nurtures empathy in children” and “teaches high energy dogs that calm behavior is desirable.”
What a brilliant idea! Especially since it gives new hope to dogs still suffering from previous abuse or abandonment.
Watch the video below to see these inspired children do their part to help shelter dogs at the Humane Society’s first annual Deck the Howls reading event.
Please share this story with anyone you know who cares for animals and would be happy to see the work the Humane Society of Missouri does to help neglected dogs find loving homes!
To learn more and donate to this awesome program, head over to the Missouri Humane Society’s website.