This Animal Shelter Hosts A Children's Reading Program And It's Changing Everyone's Lives

February 24, 2016

The Shelter Buddies Reading Program at the Humane Society of Missouri is doing wonders for everyone involved.

The concept is simple: teach kids to read to shelter dogs as a way of preparing them for forever homes, all while instilling a greater sense of empathy in the youngsters, too.

kids reading program animal shelter
Humane Society of Missouri

Kids who sign up for the monthly program are encouraged to sit in front of a shy dog's kennel with a book and read to them.

"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 reinforce that behavior by tossing them a treat. What this is also doing is to bring the animals to the front in case potential adopters come through. They are more likely to get adopted if they are approaching and interacting, rather than hiding in the back or cowering."

kids reading program animal shelter
Humane Society of Missouri

But shy dogs are not the only ones benefiting from the program. It also teaches high-energy dogs that calm behavior is more desirable.

"Hearing a child reading can really calm those animals," Klepacki said. "It is incredible, the response we've seen in these dogs."

kids reading program animal shelter
Humane Society of Missouri

Each child is required to complete a 10-hour training program, learning to work with the animals under supervision. After that, they can then come back with their parents any time to read to the dogs.

kids reading program animal shelter
Humane Society of Missouri

"It's encouraging children to develop empathy with animals. It's a peaceful, quiet exercise. They're seeing fearfulness in these animals, and seeing the positive affect they can have," said Klepacki. "It encourages them to look at things from an animals perspective. That helps them better connect with animals and people in their lives."

Watch the video below:

Klepacki says she hopes to expand the reading program to all of the Humane Society of Missouri's shelters — and to cats as well.


Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz

feel good videoLittle Girl Runs Across The Street By Herself. What Happens Next Brings People To Tears

feel good storiesScience Confirms It: Your Dog Wants One Thing Before You Leave

feel good storiesAaron, Given Just 3 Years To Live, Celebrates His 27th Birthday In Style

feel good storiesScientists Create Adorable 'Woolly Mice' In Their Quest To Revive The Mammoth

feel good storiesCat Goes Viral For Wild Adventures: From Hotel Check-Ins, To Vape Runs And Pub Crawls

feel good storiesCrytocoinminer Redefines Cloud Mining In The Simplest Way

feel good videoLittle Girl Runs Across The Street By Herself. What Happens Next Brings People To Tears

feel good video4-Year-Old Sings 'We Will Rock You' With So Much Passion

feel good videoCouple Turns Home Depot Shed Into The Most Beautiful Home

feel good videoWhen Iron Man Has The Coolest Moves At The Talent Show

feel good videoLawn And Order: Cops Stop To Investigate This Dad's Lawn