Caring for Animals

It was once said, “The purity of a person’s heart can be quickly measured by how they regard animals.” Animals enjoy love and affection; especially animals that are waiting to be adopted at shelters. In Hamilton, Montana, the Keystone to Discovery Enrichment program has an after school project that gives academically and behaviorally at risk children an opportunity to read to animals at the Bitter Root Humane Association once a week. The animals are receptive to having the kids read to them. The sound of the children’s voices is soothing to many of the dogs and cats in the facility.

There are plenty of activities provided through the after school program, such as various sports, but many children have chosen to stick with coming to read to the animals after they are done with their school day. The shelter is very grateful to have such a committed group of kids that want to come each week to read to the animals. Due to the popularity of this after school activity, the lead animal care attendant Charlotte is trying to extend this program through the summer months while school is out. This Thoughtful Thursday, we thank the children that spend time with these loving animals after school because everyone and every animal deserves affection and attention.