Soothing Sounds Of Children Reading Help Bensalem Sheltered Animals

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —It's a soothing sound that allows the sheltered pets around The Women's Animal Center to find comfort as they await their forever homes.

America's first animal shelter has relaunched its Story Tails Reading Program as a way to encourage children to become involved with the organization’s work in a unique and mutually beneficial way, center officials said.

Created to enhance literacy, Story Tails is a safe space for both children and shelter animals to learn and grow.

Story Tails offers K-8 children a creative and supportive outlet to practice their reading skills while also socializing with a shelter cat or small pet waiting for their forever home.

"Reading aloud to shelter animals, without fear or judgment, enables children to practice their reading skills and fluency, and to build confidence in their abilities," the center said. "The soothing sound of a child’s voice combined with human interaction and companionship also helps to reduce stress in the shelter animals, ultimately fostering their health and adaptability into loving forever homes."

Children may bring their books from home, or utilize the Center’s library of animal-themed books available from which to choose.

Children who can read at any level are encouraged to participate in this program. Adult guardians are welcome to stay with their children while they read or may wait in the Center’s welcome lobby.

Story Tails is offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from Noon to 2:30 p.m. Registration is required and a $15 participation fee per reading slot time.

Click here to learn more about or sign up for the reading program.

About Women’s Animal Center

In addition to Animal Sheltering and Pet Adoptions, Women’s Animal Center provides a variety of vital services to Bucks County and the Greater Philadelphia region, including dog training, behavioral and veterinary care, community programming, and educational resources.

As part of its mission, Women’s Animal Center’s Veterinary Hospital provides affordable, high-quality veterinary care to families in need, making pet ownership affordable and thus keeping more animals in their homes and out of shelters.

The hospital is among just 15 percent nationwide to be accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association. Proceeds raised through veterinary service fees support the shelter of the stray and surrendered animals under the organization’s care. Women’s Animal Center is located at 3839 Richlieu Road, Bensalem, and can be reached by phone at 215-750-3100.

For more information, visit www.womensanimalcenter.org.