The I Read to Animals program, which happens in sessions like this across the country, builds kindness, compassion and respect.

It encourages language and reading skills in a non-judgmental environment and increases reading confidence and motivation to read. And, research suggests it may lower the stress level of struggling, or reluctant readers.The program targets children in K-3, providing humane education lessons along with the opportunity for each child to read one-on-one with a trained pet partner team. It is a collaborative effort among Best Friends education ambassadors, libraries, schools, community youth groups and animal rescue organizations.The session began with a safety presentation on how to approach a dog you don't know and what to do if you encounter a loose dog, as well as a discussion about what dogs give humans: companionship and love."But they can't read," one child added."No, they can't," agreed event facilitator and Humane Education ambassador Bev Thompson. "But they can help you read." The child nodded solemnly. Next, several children practiced approaching the dogs and their guardians with one of the dog safety questions, "Can I pet your dog?"As the children waited to read to a dog, they kept busy cutting, coloring and gluing popsicle-stick dog face puppets. Another Best Friends volunteer, education ambassador Gail Frydowski, was on hand to help.At the end of the session, children chose small stuffed animals to "adopt" and received an adoption certificate that encouraged them to practice reading to their newly adopted animal."Director of Public Programs Rita London and her staff's commitment to the program was incredible," said Bev. "They commented at the end of the day that nobody seemed to want to leave. I noticed, with great joy, not even the staff!""This program touches the lives of the children like no interactive program can," she added. "You can sense the children are exploring a new-found freedom to go outside their comfort zone, the dogs giving them a sense of self-confidence and accomplishment,"At the end of the session, two children, one of whom had initially been hesitant to approach any of the dogs, gave big Archon belly rubs. "I like to use the big dogs to dispel myths," said Charles, who is the animal behaviorist at the Brooklyn-based Sean Casey Animal Rescue, said as he watched. "They can overcome their fears so quickly, just by reaching out and connecting. Events like this really open up kids' compassionate nature, and they're going into a world that needs all the compassion it can get."How you can help:

• To learn more about becoming a Best Friends education ambassador, contact Kim Dalton at kimd@bestfriends.org.

• Learn more about Best Friends' I Read to Animals program.

Photos by Kama Einhorn