Home Animal Stories Contra Costa Animal Services Offers “Books and Buddies” Program

Contra Costa Animal Services Offers “Books and Buddies” Program

by ECT

A new program at Contra Costa County Animal Services encourages school age children to read while providing the animals with companionship.

The new program coined “Books and Buddies” is designed to improve the reading fluency of the children while providing socialization, comfort and enrichment to the shelter animals. As I walked the shelter on Saturday morning to sneak a peek at the program, no barking could be heard but instead soft voices soothing the hearts of bunnies, cat and dogs.

In the bunny corner a little boy reads One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish By Dr. Seuss, in the cat room a young lady reads to a black cat that can’t seem to give enough head bumps and purrs the entire time, in one of the corridors for adopted dogs sits a little girl reading a book to a fawn Pitbull named MADEA. MADEA finds such comfort in her voice that she lies with her body presses against the kennel door and eventually drifts off to sleep.

It was a surreal moment to watch the interaction between the children and the animals and be present for the connection that was being made between the two.

Kudos to the Lori and Cyrina, two volunteers who headed the program and to all the volunteers who took the time to get involved. Most of all, kudos to Contra Costa Animal Services for allowing and encouraging their volunteers to think outside the box and develop such a program.

If you and your children would like to get involved with Book Buddies please watch Contra Costa Animal Services Facebook page for upcoming dates


toby-and-kristyKristy Keusch is a regular contributor for EastCountyToday writing about animals and is passionate about animal rescue and ensuring every pet has a forever home in Contra Costa County.

She also volunteers her time taking photographs of dogs and working in shelters.

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