Children dressed in PJs read their favorite holiday bedtime stories to animals waiting for forever homes. The popular annual event serves a dual purpose.
ST. LOUIS — A holiday nightcap for the animals at the Humane Society of Missouri.
Children in our community, dressed in their PJs, read their favorite holiday bedtime stories to animals waiting for forever homes.
The popular annual event serves a dual purpose.
It is nightfall at the Humane Society of Missouri, yet not quite time for little ones to be snug in their beds.
“Make sure you get your nametag sweetie and go inside,” says a volunteer behind a table as children stand in line.
The children are preparing the animals for a long winter's nap.
“10 out of 10 super friendly,” said a little boy to a dog sitting next to him wagging its tail.
More than 60 children, outfitted in their favorite holiday pajamas, are reading Christmas and Hanukkah stories to the animals. It's year 10 of Deck the Howls, born from HSMO's Shelter Buddies Reading Program.
“They're actually providing companionship and company for the animals, but they're also re-conditioning them to come to the kennel front because animals who come to the kennel front get adopted more quickly than those who are hiding in the back,” said JoEllyn Klepacki, the director of education at the Humane Society of Missouri.
This one special night, kids read by candlelight to a captive audience…of howls…barks…tail wagging.
While at times raucous, these determined elves stuck to the assignment.
Ava Breihan is asked if she is giving back in some way, and the young reader replies, “Yes. Like sometimes people are really close to adopting them and they chose the other dog and it feels really sad, but when we're here they feel loved.”
“I get to see them happy and excited and barking,”
When asked if the dogs listen when she's reading?
8-year-old Sutton Sackman said, “Not exactly.”
But it's the human interaction.
Since starting the reading program, the shelter has reduced its average length of stay for dogs by six days.
“They previously may not have had positive interaction with the human beings in their life so when they're having those interactions here they're learning to trust humans,” explains Klepacki.
It was more than reading on this Deck the Howls night. Kids decorated cookies for the pups, petted a variety of animals, including a pig, and crafted snow globes to take home. But the greatest takeaway on this not-so-silent night wasn't wrapped in paper; it was the unspoken spirit of caring, gifted to them by the animals themselves.
Addison Crowson returned this year with her little sister and cousin. The trio wore matching PJs. The girls said they know the dogs enjoy the night. “They like it, and they think it's just nice and it makes them relaxed.”
Her cousin Fiona Embree added, “They like the humans, then they are more used to them, they're happier they feel safe.”
Klepacki sums up the successful night: “Empathy is at the heart of every single program that we teach through the Humane Society. We believe children are innately empathetic towards animals and to try to nurture that and give them opportunities to connect with animals and the reading program is a great way to do that.”
The year-round Shelter Buddies Reading program is not only for children; adults are also welcome to read to the animals…. and many do!
For more information on this program, visit HSMO's website.
