At the Jacksonville Humane Society, hundreds of dogs and cats share the same desire: to be adopted. But for some, that could take a while.
Kaiya Dodson, 10, enjoys helping the time pass by for her furry friends, hoping to someday find a forever home.
Since 2018, on the average Friday, Dodson can be found volunteering, reading books to dogs in their suites.
“A lot of the dogs I read to get adopted pretty quickly,” Dodson said.
Reading to the dogs often times helps relieve stress while providing quality enrichment.
Assistant development director for the humane society, Lindsay Layendecker, said in a shelter, pets can be anxious, therefore reading can help ease the anxiety.
“It’s really beneficial, it’s good for their health,” Layendecker said.
Dodson says reading to the dogs has taught her about giving back at a young age.
“I don’t get paid, but still it’s really fun, so I volunteer to read to the dogs,” Dodson said.
Seeing the dogs interact with Dodson has comes with its benefits.
“When people see me inside, they might think, oh that dog is really good with kids,” Dodson said.
Dodson says she hopes all dogs will get adopted.
“Especially the ones I read to, the older ones, they seniors, that have been here awhile,” Dodson said.
On this Giving Tuesday, the Jacksonville Humane Society is asking for you to donate, by giving love to save an animal’s life. All donations will be matched by a donor.