“We wanted to help our shy and fearful dogs without forcing physical interaction with them to see the positive effect that [the volunteers] could have on them,” program director Jo Klepacki told The Dodo.

Those hesitant hounds are the ones less likely to get adopted–people look them over if they’re cowering in a corner–so the kids are encouraged to read aloud to them in front of their kennels.

Oftentimes, the shy dogs relax and become curious, making their way closer to their reading buddies, who encourage the behavior with treats.

“Hearing a child reading can really calm those animals,” said Klepacki to The Dodo.

And the hyper dogs? Well, they tend to quiet down and listen to the storytellers, too!

Once the shelter pups associate humans with good things, they’re more likely to interact with potential adopters–and find their forever homes.

What’s more, children are able to improve their reading skills in front of the non-judgmental audience. They also receive invaluable life lessons about how to treat animals well,  learning that dogs have feelings, just like them.

“It’s encouraging children to develop empathy with animals…They’re seeing fearfulness in these animals, and seeing the positive effect they can have,” Klepacki told The Dodo.

The once-monthly program has been extremely popular with kids and canines alike. Though it was just launched last Christmas, Klepacki says that it’s already helped some dogs get adopted.

Eventually, the program coordinator hopes to bring Shelter Buddies to all Humane Society of Missouri locations, and to invite shelter cats in on the fun.

Imagine: if more kids were able to learn to connect and empathize with animals at a young age, it could potentially help in preventing future animal abuse.

Do you think programs like this should get picked up nationwide? Tell us!

The post These Kids Read To Shelter Dogs And The Benefits Are Amazing! appeared first on ILoveDogsAndPuppies.

That’s why these pups decided to lend their favorite humans a helping paw. Even if their efforts weren’t exactly helpful, the gesture certainly didn’t go unnoticed!

Well, at least they tried to help. It’s really the thought that counts. But puppies…listen…maybe it’d be better if you all just stayed inside and prepared to greet your frozen humans with kisses instead.

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Imagine spending your entire life in a metal cage. Never experiencing the warmth of the sun’s rays shining upon your face. Or feeling the sensation of grass under your bare feet. To not even be given a name, only a number tattooed on your ear. Such was the life for nine unlucky Beagles. But a life…it was not.

The dogs were to be destroyed. They had served their purpose. No longer could they be used by the research lab. So a call was made to Animal Rescue Media Education. Volunteers from ARME sprang into action, taking all nine dogs with the hope of finding them a better life…a home.

As the dogs were loaded into the ARME van, you could see the sadness in their eyes. The uncertainty of what was to come next weighing on their tiny hearts. But soon the dogs would experience the one thing that they never thought possible – freedom.

The volunteers took the Beagles to a nearby park where they were allowed to walk freely for the first time. But the wary dogs were too afraid to journey out into this strange new world. Some ten minutes passed and finally one of the dogs took its first step into what would be its new life. Shortly thereafter, others followed until one by one all of the dogs were experiencing freedom for the first time.

Just as these dogs were finally freed and able to experience a life of happiness, so too are countless other dogs…waiting to be rescued…to be freed. Share this video with others. If even one person is moved to support a rescue or give a dog a new home then there is hope.

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But one county courthouse eases this tension with a new (and completely adorable) method. By introducing some cuddly, four-legged companions, King County, Washington, hopes to help offenders and victims by comforting them when they need it most. These courthouse dogs could revolutionize how people view the criminal justice system, all while helping those in need cope with trauma and loss.

If this program were instituted everywhere, criminal justice processes would go over so much more smoothly. After all, even the most heartless people have a hard time resisting love and affection from adorable dogs. We can all use a helping paw when things get tough.

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The video compilation, produced by The Dodo, features several rescue dogs leaving their shelters and heading home for the first time. Their reactions range from reluctantly excited to full blown ecstatic. They nuzzle up to their new owners and jump around for joy; they indulge in a window-down car ride and take it all in. One of the dogs in the video, a German Shepherd mix named Roxy, finds a forever home at 14 years-old! Incredible!

Footage like this is a great reminder of what a difference adoption can make in the lives of these abandoned, sweet pups. As you’re about to see, it doesn’t matter how old they are or what their history is…most of them just want an opportunity to love and be loved.

http://youtu.be/RRxJl6Kk6lg

The post These Dogs Finally Get Their Forever Home And Their Response Is One You Don’t Want To Miss appeared first on ILoveDogsAndPuppies.