Living in a shelter could be lonely for animals. Their needs don't end with being cleaned and being fed. They need to feel that they are loved and they are special.
Surprisingly, the cats would sit beside the kids and listen to the stories with some playing in between. Both the kids and the cats end up very happy!
The Book Buddies Program was implemented by then-ARL Program Coordinator, Kristi Rodriguez. Her son, Sean, a 10-year-old 5th grader, was the inspiration for the program. Sean struggled with reading but when his mother brought him to the shelter to read to the cats, he loved it and improved his reading skills. They came up with the idea that other kids would love doing it too. Hence, the program officially began in August 2013, according the shelter's website.
