Come read to shelter pets at the Humane Society for Greater Nashua!

Youths ages 4-13 (accompanied by a parent/guardian) are invited to participate in a reading session at the shelter where they will receive a "Certificate of Compassion" and a goodie bag!

This on-site education program offered by HSFN benefits readers and rescues by providing socialization for the shelter pets and reading practice for kids in front of a non-judgmental audience. Readers may bring their books from home, or borrow one from the shelter's lending library.

Four 30-minute sessions are available between 11 am- 1 pm. 7 slots are available each session. Please book a separate slot within your timeframe for EACH CHILD who will be in attendance from your family. A parent or guardian must be present and engaged with their children during the session. One adult may bring up to 3 readers. Space is limited and there are many interested readers, so only one session is allowed per child. Please note: For safety reasons, there will be NO direct contact with the animals. Readers will engage with the pets from a safe distance without hands-on contact.

Benefits for the Readers:
- Builds literacy skills
- Strengthens confidence in reading out loud in a safe environment
- Develops a stronger vocabulary
- Increases attention span
- Promotes empathy and compassion

Benefits for the Shelter Pets:
- Introduction to children in a safe, controlled environment
- Exposure to multiple people and situations
- Builds trust in humans
- Attention and love!

Questions? Email kateland@hsfn.org or call 603-889-2275 x25 for assistance.