Children Reading Stories Aloud to Help Calm and Socialize Anxious Rescue Dogs at a Shelter

This past December, the Humane Society of Missouri sponsored a beautiful event called “Deck the Howls” in which local school children each read a holiday story aloud to their assigned dog. The event not only helped to calm and socialize the adoptable pups, but it also gave the children an opportunity to practice their reading comprehension skills. The event was part of a year-round program called the Shelter Buddies Reading Program.

The Shelter Buddies Reading Program at the Humane Society of Missouri was designed to help our shelter dogs become more adoptable. Participants sit outside of the dogs kennel and read to them, which helps shy dogs learn to relax around people, while teaching high-energy dogs that calm behavior is desirable. When children read stories to the dogs, it also helps them develop their own reading skills.

image via Humane Society of Missouri