BY BRANDY TEMPLETON

Iredell County Animal Services and Control is launching a new program, “Books and Buddies,” to encourage volunteers to come in and read books to shelter animals.

Tracy Dixon, foster and volunteer coordinator and for Iredell County Animal Services, says the new reading program will be mutually beneficial to both the shelter animal and the reader.

“My hope is that the program will foster greater adoptability for the animals,” she said.

Participants will come in and choose a dog or cat to read to. The program will offer a calming environment where all types of readers can engage with the animals.

“It’s going to be self- driven. Just grab a stool, sit down and read,” Dixon explained. “It’s going to have some growing pains until we get everything worked out.”

There is a small collection of books to choose from or readers can bring in their own material.

“The readers will have a captive audience and it will be judgment free,” Dixon said.

LEARN MORE

If anyone would like to donate either books or stools, please contact Tracy Dixon at 704-878-5424.