Everyday children and adults alike are reading books, why not accomplish other tasks at the same time?
What is Reading with Rescues?
This program would allow children, after school programs, adults, senior citizens, and more to help socialize, entertain, and calm rescue animals by reading to them. The program can be a daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly event. Animals will need to be pre-approved and have the right temperament to interact with the public. It may be necessary to provide training or orientation before allowing people to interact with the animals. If the program is children based, there will need to be adult supervision during the reading period.
Programs in Existence
Programs across the united States have been extremely successful. They vary in size, length and costs. See below for examples of programs currently running.
The Hope Equine Reading with Rescues program runs once a month for children K-8th grade. They each read to donkeys, mules, or horses for 20-25 minutes on their own with the supervision of an adult. At the end of the session, participants are welcome to join in on a "petting experience" where they are allowed to interact with the animal and ask a handler questions. All participants, including guardians, are required to watch an orientation video. The program recommends, but does not require, a $5 donation. Everyone who participates is required to sign a release form.
The Animal Humane Society in Minnesota has a similar program called "Rescue Readers". Their program is for all ages and children under 16 are required to have an adult with them. Participants go through a 2 hour orientation that costs $15. After this orientation, readers can buy single sessions for reading for $10 or a pass for $50. Sessions last one hour and can be spent with a single animal or split between many. The rescue provides books and blankets for sitting but readers can bring their own as well. Each reader will receive a bookmark, certificate and reading log.
The Humane Society of Missouri has a reading program for ages 6-15. Their program does not only include super social dogs, but all their available dogs. Readers are required to take an orientation and complete 10 hours of shelter supervised hours before they're welcome to come anytime with a guardian. During the 10 hours of supervised reading, children and teens learn about dog behavior and body language. The readers are encouraged to read to timid dogs who could use the socialization and when these dogs display positive body language, trust, and or good behavior, readers are encouraged to give the animals treats to reinforce that behavior.
Other examples : Little Shelter
Lessons Learned
Programs around the world have a variety of rules and recommendations. Each shelter will want to learn about the successful programs and then carry out what they think will work best for their rescue. Community book and blanket donations can always be a great jumping off point for the program.
For other program ideas, visit our "Programs Idea" Page!
Comments