Kids read to kitties
CONNOQUENESSING TWP — Nico got to spend a lot of time out of his condo Sunday, Feb. 12, and have two stories read to him by a young reader.
Gus Berry, 8, of Butler, read “Zen Pig” to his new cat friend at the Butler County Humane Society for the Shelter Buddies Reading Program. His mother, Theresa Moore, of Butler, said she recently found out about the reading program and wanted to bring her son, who is an enthusiast, for both of its offerings.
“He loves to read, and he loves cats,” Moore said. “He’s been looking forward to it. We’ll definitely come back.”
The Shelter Buddies Reading Program takes place the second and last Sunday of each month at the Humane Society and was created to help cats learn how to socialize with children and build confidence in those children while also teaching the importance of animal care.
Diana Laslavic, front desk and kennel assistant at the Humane Society, said the program is popular with elementary school children, even though it is for children all the way up to eighth grade.
“We’re doing enrichment for kids and cats,” Laslavic said. “We’re excited to do it. We should have a lot of people coming in today.”
Gus read his books aloud in the kitty socialization room, where Nico explored, played with toys and occasionally received some petting from Gus and Moore.
Moore said the opportunity was good for both her and her son, who are self-described cat people.
“I would never be without a cat if I can help it,” Moore said. “We’ve got a gentle cat at home he gets to practice with.”
