Boerne Animal Care Services is bringing young readers and shelter dogs together in a meaningful way this summer with the return of its Pawsitive Readers program.
The program, now in its fifth year, invites kids to interact with and read to shelter dogs. The benefits are twofold, giving students the chance to practice their reading and avoid the summertime slide while allowing the dogs to be loved on and serenaded with a comforting story time of their own.
ACS Supervisor Stefanie Fisher says the program prepares shelter animals for adoption by giving them valuable time to grow more comfortable around people.
“Many of the animals we care for have come to us after a hard stretch in their lives,” Fisher said. “The amazing students in the program are truly helping these animals regain trust that might have been lost.”
One of those students is Emersyn, age 6.
For her, it all started with family story time and a book, “Madeline Finn and the Shelter Dog,” by Lisa Papp. The story, filled with compassion and care for shelter animals, sparked something in the young reader and prompted her to start her own similar journey.
“Madeline Finn was kind to the shelter dogs, and it made me want to help dogs feel loved and happy, too,” Emersyn said.
She signed up to read at Boerne’s animal shelter but wanted to do even more. With encouragement from her family, she turned that spark into a plan.
“They helped me organize my ideas, talk to the shelter and businesses, and get a plan to help,” she said.
Emersyn organized a donation drive, gathering crucial supplies that go a long way for the animals at the shelter. She has embraced every part of the process.
“I really liked making the flyer to talk about the event and my ideas,” she said. “I’m excited to see the dogs happy when we read to them.”
The Patrick Heath Public Library even joined the collaboration, adding Pawsitive Readers to its summer programming schedule and bringing the Bookmobile right to where the pups are.
For any kids who might want to make a difference of their own, Emersyn’s message is simple.
“Everyone can be kind and help!” she said.
More than 100 students have signed up to read at the shelter this summer. Eager readers can still sign up, but space is very limited.
But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to stay busy this summer. Check out the library’s summer program and community education with Parks and Recreation to make it the best Boerne summer yet!
