Cats and kittens at Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue are helping children develop literacy skills.
Michelle Neufeld, President of SAAR, says the shelter has welcomed a number of children who come in to read to the animals or spend time colouring quietly in the cat rooms.
“You’d be surprised how well that does for the animals’ health, and the kids,” she says. “It’s very cute.”
The initiative is informal but growing in popularity. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and they’re encouraged to bring a book and spend time with the cats in a calm, safe setting.
“Come down to the rescue,” she says. “They can sit and read to the animals. A lot of the time it calms the animals down, it socializes them, and it’s a good practice for kids to read, and promote reading.”
Neufeld adds that it is a judgment-free zone for beginners.
“If you make a mistake while reading or even colouring, animals don’t care. They think you’re doing an amazing job just being there.”
She says engaging kids early is a great way to build compassion and support for rescue animals. Many also donate in creative ways including hosting lemonade stands, giving up birthday money, or delivering toys they’ve purchased for the animals.
“This is the future generation of animal rescuers,” says Neufeld.
With files from Judy Peters