The Women’s Humane Society launched a ‘Story Tails Reading Program’ last week with help from students at Albert Schweitzer Elementary School in Levittown.
The program allows students, first through eighth grade, the opportunity to practice their reading skills in front of shelter cats and rabbits in celebration of ‘Read Across America’.
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According to officials, the program is designed to help build confidence in young readers and to show children the importance of reading. It also helps to reduce stress for the shelter pets and gives the animals quality socialization time with their new reading buddy.
“It is important for children to see first-hand the positive effect that they are having on animals in their own community,” said Mandy Dollar, director of marketing and community relations, “Anyone of any age can make a significant, positive impact on animals. Even something as simple as reading a story makes a huge difference in our shelter animals’ day-to-day lives. It has been believed to help increase the animal’s socialization skills and reduce their stress levels which can literally save their lives when you consider the emotional effects that come with living in a high-stress environment like an animal shelter.”
According to officials, just over the last 24 hours, the humane society has received a significant response from the public and area schools who are interested in joining the reading program. Families are encouraged to sign up for ½ hour reading sessions online via the Women’s Humane Society’s website. Sessions are currently limited to the newly built WHS Community Cat Room and to the small animal room (rabbits, hamsters, etc.). Reading sessions for shelter dogs will begin in the middle of March.
