BY MELISSA PYLE
Special to the Telegraph
What is sweeter than puppy dog eyes and the purr of a kitten? Quite possibly the voices of children reading books to these animals!
That is exactly what happened at the most recent summer library event at the Bradford County Public Library. The event is the first of its kind at the library, but definitely not the last. In cooperation with the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services, the library hosted what Melanie Jackson said was a dream becoming a reality.
Jackson has worked in the children’s area of the library for eight years and said she has wanted to host a program like this for a long time.
Over a hundred guests lined up to get their turn to enter the room where some available shelter pets were awaiting a friendly interaction. Each person was asked to choose a children’s book, sit in front of one of the cages and read to one of the shelter animals. On the walls, photos of multiple other cats and dogs still at the shelter were posted so visitors could see the faces of each needy animal.
The shelter has an average of 35 pets in its facility each month. Most of these are dogs. The animals can remain at the shelter for up to 30 days. Within that time frame, they can be sent to other animal rescue shelters, adopted, or in many unfortunate instances, they are euthanized. This is why community involvement is so crucial to saving the lives of these animals.
The event also raised awareness for the need for shelter donations. The biggest need is food. Purina One is the preferred brand, but the shelter will gladly accept any pet food donations. Throw blankets and pet toys are also requested. The library is accepting donations for the shelter through Aug. 30, but donations are needed all year long and can be dropped off at Bradford County Animal Services.
