Children Practice Their Reading Skills To Calm Shy Shelter Dogs
Some time ago, we wrote about kids who read to shelter cats, and now there’s a similar campaign for dogs! At this Missouri Humane Society, the Shelter Buddies Reading Program pairs kids age 6 to 15 with fearful dogs to prepare them for life in a forever home. After completing a 10 hour training program, the kids sit in front of a she dog’s kennel and read to them from a book.
“We wanted to help our shy and fearful dog without forcing physical interaction with them to see the positive effect that could have on them,” program director Jo Klepacki told The Dodo. “Ideally that shy and fearful dog will approach and show interest. If so, the kids reenforce that behavior by tossing them a treat.”
More info: hsmo.org (h/t: thedodo, mmm)
Kids read to shelter dogs not only to keep them company but also to make them more adoptable
“Reading to the dogs helps to bring comfort to and reduce the anxiety of shelter pets”
“When children tell stories to the dogs, it also helps them develop their own reading skills”
“Hearing a child reading can really calm those animals. It is incredible, the response we’ve seen in these dogs.”
Watch the full video below:
143Kviews
Share on Facebook
THIS IS AMAIZNG KIDS AND INITIATIVE !:-) Great Idea, amazing action! regards from Poland!
When I was in first grade, my school was very small. They brought in a bunch of dogs and had us play with them and read to them and feed them treats. It was really fun!
what a wonderful idea! great for the kids to learn and train reading and also great for that poor dogs to get in contact with kids! And also the possibility to find a new home for the dogs :) GREAT!
THIS IS AMAIZNG KIDS AND INITIATIVE !:-) Great Idea, amazing action! regards from Poland!
When I was in first grade, my school was very small. They brought in a bunch of dogs and had us play with them and read to them and feed them treats. It was really fun!
what a wonderful idea! great for the kids to learn and train reading and also great for that poor dogs to get in contact with kids! And also the possibility to find a new home for the dogs :) GREAT!
517
15