It’s a bitter truth that many shelters are over capacity and they end up euthanizing their dogs if they fail to get adopted within the allotted time, writes ilovemydogsomuch

One of the primary reasons many shelter dogs fail to find homes is their “timid” or “unfriendly” personalities. These dogs have pasts scarred with abuse, neglect or deprivation, which makes it even harder for them to come out of their shells.

Humane Society of Missouri has started a program that allows shelter dogs to be socialized as effectively as possible! With the “Shelter Buddies Reading Program,” this unique program enables children aged six to 15 to read to shelter dogs and train them!

The initial few sessions of this program have been very impressive. As the kids read out in their soothing voices and engage with the dogs, it promotes positive behavior reinforcement and makes the shy dogs feel safe and accepted. While the dogs become more outgoing and “adoptable”, the kids also learn the intricacies of a shelter dog’s body language. It’s a win-win!

Following this program’s success, the shelter now includes this reading exercise in their annual Christmas celebrations. “Deck The Howls” is a holiday event centered around adoption greeting cards, where children can make goodies for new furry friends. It would be great if more animal shelters offered such initiatives for “undesirable” dogs.

The kids are adorable as they bond with the lonely shelter dogs in the video below!