x
Breaking News
More () »

SPCA's 'Paws for Love' program helps kids read

The SPCA of Erie County brings cats and dogs into classrooms to help kids read.

Every Wednesday, inside Amherst Middle School, students take a 45 minute class period to DEAR.

That stands for "drop everything and read".

But for one particular group of sixth through eighth graders, that time can be stressful.

That's because these kids live with some level of development disabilities.

"This class is a functional middle school program so we work on a lot of life skills," Maria Goldman, the class' teacher, said. "Kids in the class, some have down syndrome, some have autism, some have other educational, developmental concerns."

Starting in October, teacher Maria Goldman asked the SPCA of Erie County to bring in some of their dogs and cats to help the student's read.

It is part of the society's "Paws for Love" program. The goal for the students is to ease the pressure around reading.

"I read so much about the positive energy and the power and emotional competence that comes with these therapy dogs," Goldman explained.

Goldman said she has seen improvement in fluency, eye contact and overall confidence.

"I'm reading to a dog named Wilma," one student explained. "I love reading to her."

Each animal that is part of "Paws for Love" has gone through orientation with the SPCA to test their behavior.

Terry Johnson, owner of Lily, a 10-year-old golden retriever in the program, said for as much as it has benefited the kids, it has benefited the animal and their owner, too.

"Paws for Love" started more than 10 years ago with only a handful of animals.

Today, the program has grown to more than 400. That means 400-plus cats and dogs lending a back for petting, ears for listening, eyes for understanding and always paws for love.

The program does not just go into classrooms. Volunteers bring their animals to local hospitals, nursing homes, libraries and the airport, just to name a few.

If you would like to volunteer with your own animal, you can find out more on yourSPCA.org.

Before You Leave, Check This Out