Sure, you probably have heard of students reading to dogs, but did you know that cats enjoy similar attention?
"Our adoptable cats appreciate being read to by our Rescue Readers as reading aloud has a positive impact on the cats in our cat colonies, while also helping the readers become more comfortable and confident reading aloud," said Humane Pennsylvania events and social media coordinator Kylie Layman, who is in charge of the Rescue Readers program. The program is less than a year old and was developed to provide youths ages 4 to 13 with opportunities to interact with the cats in the shelter, expand their reading proficiency, and give back to their community.
Seven-year-old Hunter Griffin and his parents, Oanh To and William Griffin of Manheim Township, spent time on Jan. 12 with several felines at the Humane League of Lancaster County, 2195 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster. The family had a half-hour slot during which Hunter read aloud from the Pete the Cat book "Snow Daze" and the titles in the "Little Critter Bedtime Stories" box set. To said she learned about the Rescue Readers program from a friend on Facebook, and because their family has an interest in the stray cats in their neighborhood, she signed up Hunter.
"We're teaching Hunter to be kind and respectful to all creatures," To explained.
Hunter sat on the floor during his time in the observation room that housed at least four cats. Right after Hunter took his seat, a cat named Wendy climbed into his lap and stayed there for nearly the entire time. The other cats also checked him out.
"When she first got here, Miss Izzy Kitty was shy," adoption counselor Genisus Hess commented. "This is the first day that she's running out to meet people. This socializing is great for her."
"I think it's such a good program," added volunteer Sharon Swanger.
Rescue Readers meet at the Humane League of Lancaster County each Saturday and Sunday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. for half-hour reading sessions. Each reader must preregister for a designated reading time and be accompanied by a parent or other adult guardian during their visit. Readers are welcome to bring their own books, or they may choose some from the shelter's bookshelf.
Hess expressed her excitement about the program, saying, "I love books, I love cats, and I love that we can bring the two together."
Although the Rescue Readers program is in its infancy, Layman is exploring ways to make it better.
"My goal is to revamp it into more of an experience for the kids because currently, there is very little interaction between our staff and readers, and I want to cultivate relationships with the kids and parents who take time out of their weekend to bring their kid in to read to cats," Layman said. "I want to create an incentive for the kids so they are encouraged to come back multiple times. I want to hopefully partner with a local bookstore or businesses that could be part of the kids' 'welcome packet' and offer a coupon or item geared toward reading."
The To-Griffin family plans to return every Sunday through the end of February just for the fun of it. "(My favorite part was) petting the cats because they're nice," Hunter said after his first visit.
To preregister for a reading session, readers may call the shelter's front desk staff members at 717-393-6551.
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