The Humane Society of Marion County is inviting elementary school students to participate in its monthly reading program.
During each session of the DogGone Good Reading Program, children will read to the dogs while their parent or guardian waits in a separate area of the shelter. According to HSMC, children do better when they are reading to a non-judgmental dog with no outside criticism.
In addition, each child will get to learn about humane education while completing an activity and playing with the puppies at the shelter.
The reading program is held at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on select Saturdays throughout the year at the Humane Society of Marion County, which is located at 701 NW 14th Road in Ocala.
The next DogGone Good Reading sessions will take place this Saturday, July 22, and limited spots are still available for the 1 p.m. session. Registration is also open for this year’s remaining sessions, which will be held on August 26, September 9, October 7, November 4, and December 2.
In the event that time slots fill up, parents and guardians can sign up their children for the waiting list, and they will be notified by phone if any participants cancel.
There is a maximum of 12 children per session. All participating children must register in advance and there is a cost of $3 per child.
A staff member from HSMC will call to confirm participation the week before the selected date.
For more information, or to register for the program, visit the Humane Society of Marion County’s Doggone Good Reading webpage.