Courtesy of the Humane Society of Missouri
What’s better than reading T’was the Night Before Christmas to a sweet kid all snuggled into her pajamas?
The kid reading T’was the Night Before Christmas to a scared, lonesome puppy who’s been dumped at the Humane Society of Missouri. Or a kitten. Or any other critter who needs a little reassurance.
Courtesy of the Humane Society of Missouri
For four years now, The Shelter Buddies Reading Program has held a special Deck the Howls event, and this year, the rest of the country caught a clue, and humane societies nationwide followed suit.
Courtesy of the Humane Society of Missouri
On December 12, at dusk, flannel-clad children read “howliday tails” (the puns just keep coming) to adoptable animals, decorated holiday dog treats, crafted toys and holiday kennel signs for them, and—natch—played with them. The event, which sold out fast, was a partnership with Treats Unleashed and the St. Louis County Library.
Courtesy of the Humane Society of Missouri
This was a holiday celebration, but the Shelter Buddies Reading Program continues year-round. It’s trained more than 2,400 young readers to sit with rescued animals, sharpening their own reading skills by making a story so entertaining, the dogs cock their heads and pay close attention. The experience makes a world of difference for both kids and dogs by showing them how to connect. As the pups learn to relax around small humans, their chances of adoption shoot up: Since the program started, the average length of stay for a dog has dropped from 14 days to eight.
Courtesy of the Humane Society of Missouri
More than 350 shelters around the world have sought the Humane Society of Missouri’s guidance to start similar programs of their own.
Courtesy of the Humane Society of Missouri
