The Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society has plenty of activities the community can take part in this summer, including its Rescue Readers program, weekly story time, kids’ movie nights and yoga classes.
This summer’s Rescue Readers theme is “Oceans.” The shelter’s front lobby is decorated with ocean-themed decorations and the various Rescue Readers locations are designated by special posters. Participants are encouraged to borrow a book from the shelf, grab a cushion or carpet square and sit with the animals while they read aloud to them in the puppy room, cat mall or small animal room.
“They get a prize every single time they come to read,” said GMHS Communications & Development Manager Caitlin Donnelly.
After reading, children can pick an item from the prize chest which includes stickers, bookmarks, key chains, squishy toys and more. However, on their fourth visit reading, children get to name a shelter animal.
“It makes it more personal for the kids,” said Donnelly about the pet n...