Forever Paws Animal Shelter is starting a new program called 'Shelter Buddies' in Fall River.

The Shelter Buddies Reading Program was designed to help our shelter dogs become more adoptable. Reading to the dogs helps children with reading, brings comfort to and reduce the anxiety of shelter pets, and it nurtures empathy in children. Participants sit outside of the dog’s kennel and read to them.

Orientation will take place on Sunday, September 30 at 10:30 AM. Children can read to animals after orientation at 11 AM. Future Orientations will be on the last Sunday of the month. This program is for children ages six to 15.

Forever Paws Animal Shelter would like to remind potential participants of the following:
*One parent is required to attend the training and must accompany the child every time they come to read, and must attend the orientation program.
*Closed-toed, rubber-soled shoes are required to protect your feet and give better traction when walking through the animal wings, at this time also please bring something to sit on the floor.
*You are welcome to bring a favorite book; we are looking for book donations animal-themed to start a library of our own for the children.
*You only need to attend ONE training session, and then you will be able to read to the animals anytime between 11 am and 4 pm. You can come read for as little or as long as you’d like during designated hours, available seven days a week.
*We are also asking for a one-time $5.00 donation to offset the cost of the program.

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