The Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society is again holding its summer reading program for all ages, “Rescue Readers,” with this year’s theme centered on pirates.
“It’s always Rescue Readers, but the theme will change,” said GMHS Outreach Specialist Voula Douglerakis.
There are three Rescue Readers zones at the shelter, which are located in the puppy room, the small animal room, and the cat mall. Participants are encouraged to borrow a book from the shelf, grab a pillow or blanket and sit with the animals while they read aloud to them.
“This helps keep our animals company,” said Douglerakis. The program also helps to socialize the pets.
Rescue Readers is an especially easy way children can be involved with the shelter and practice their reading skills at the same time.
The program also encourages kindness and compassion towards shelter animals, inspires community involvement, helps build confidence in children, teaches shelter pets to enjoy the presence of children and decreases stress and ...