A new program called “Book Pals,” will kick off in September at the Humane Society of Broward County. Run through the education department, it allows kids to sign up for three-month sessions of reading to the dogs at the shelter. Targeted at ages 6 to 15, kids in this unique program will get the chance to practice their reading skills while helping the shelter dogs. By providing gentle voices as they read and utilizing calming signals the HSBC staff will teach, it’s a win-win!
Before starting the program, the registered child and parent or guardian must attend a Book Pals orientation to learn about dogs’ body language – important information for one-on-one sessions.
The cost of the three-month program is $10 per session. Children will bring their own book, their Book Pals badge, a blanket to sit on,and a love for reading! A special Book Pals blanket will be available for purchase as well.
Registration can be found at www.humanebroward.com under Education Programs, Book Pals.
The HSBC currently offers Purrs and Tales, a similar program — kids can read to felines at the shelter; and Wags and Tales, a partnership with Broward County Libraries, that allows children to read to an education dog. Purrs and Tales is available at select Broward County libraries.
The HSBC is located at 2070 Griffin Road, just one block west of I-95. For more information, call 954-989-3977.