The Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Berks County, PA has started the "Book Buddies" program that brings children together with shelter cats that need companionship and provides the kids a furry friend to read to.
Children in grades 1-8 who are able to read at any level may come into the shelter to read to the cats in our adoption room. Similar programs at other shelters across the country have seen the benefits the program has to offer. The program will help children improve their reading skills while also helping the shelter animals. Cats find the rhythmic sound of a voice very comforting and soothing.