Book Buddies is available to children anytime during our regular business hours.
Program Overview Children in grades 1-8 who are able to read at any level are invited to the shelter to read to the cats in our adoption room. The program will help children improve their reading skills while also helping the shelter animals by providing socialization and human interaction. Cats find the rhythmic sound of a voice very comforting and soothing. Children can read in a non-judgmental environment and find support and comfort with the cats.
The Book Buddies Program was implemented in 2013 by a staff member who thought her son, Sean, would benefit by reading to the cats. He loved it – and the program was born. Sean’s story is similar to those of many other children who have participated in Book Buddies. The program has grown within our community and is taken advantage of by home-schooled children, Brownie Troops, parents who want to expose their children to animals, parents of autistic children and many more.
Program Rewards Children can complete “book tickets” while participating in the program. Each ticket will require the child to complete 5 books (length does not matter). After each ticket is completed, they can begin a new one. The completed ticket can then be turned in for a prize.
Want to participate?
- Both parent and child must attend an orientation session before reading to the cats.
- At these orientations, we will provide more information about Book Buddies and discuss rules and tips on “reading” a cat’s mood.
- All adult volunteers must complete a volunteer application and waiver and bring waiver and photo ID with them to the orientation they attend. The last page of the waiver must be completed for your child.
- Space is limited, please click HERE to go to our volunteer page and view and register for an upcoming orientation.
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Seth Gansner is a kindergarten student and a Book Buddy! He reads to our cats and earns prizes!
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Cohen Gansner, 1st grade, is a Book Buddy! He comes in to read to our cats, giving them some cuddle time and him some practice with his reading skills, all the while earning prizes!
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Book Buddy Rania Tabarez stopped in yesterday to read to our cats. She is 11 years old and in 6th grade at Northwest Middle School. Thanks Rania - the cats loved your company!
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Cassandra Kraus, 1st grader at Conrad Weiser West, came in to participate in the Book Buddies Program
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Aidan Bonner was the October Book Buddy winner!