The Erie Humane Society provided a safe space for children learning to read, and the program is growing in popularity.
The national program is called “Shelter Buddies” and the Erie Humane Society launched its chapter in 2018.
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On Wednesday, students from Commonwealth Charter Academy took part while on a field trip.
The program, for children ages six and up, was established in an effort to make shy, anxious shelter animals more comfortable.
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But organizers said when children read to shelter animals, they reap benefits as well.
“A lot of shelters use it to encourage children to gain relationships, work on animal kindness with our animals. It also fosters compassion, not only with our animals, but it helps the children work on their reading skills and give them a confidence boost,” said Karah Jackson, Erie Humane Society’s youth program coordinator
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