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 naming prize.
Rescue Readers encourages children to practice their reading skills through the summer months. The program also helps teach children kindness and compassion for animals.
Though children can read to the shelter pets throughout the year, prizes are only available for the program from now until Aug. 23.
“We keep the reading program all year long,” said Donnelly. “It’s open to all readers.”
Even adults are known to come read to the animals, usually bringing novels in an effort to keep the animals company.
“Our pets enjoy that, too,” said Donnelly.
While school is out for the summer, school-age children can participate in story time at GMHS. Led by GMHS Community Coordinator Voula Douglerakis or volunteer Donna Cloutier, GMHS story time is held every Wednesday at 1 p.m. A story will be read to the children, followed by a craft related to the story.
“That’s open to all ages,” said Donnelly. “There’s no registration. No fees.”
This Sunday, people of all ages can participate in the shelter’s kindness workshop from 1-2 p.m. in the main lobby. The workshop will involve making popsicles for shelter pets.
“Our dogs really love popsicles,” said Donnelly.
The next Kids’ Movie Night will be held on July 25 from 5:30-8 p.m. and is open to children ages six to 12.
“It’s a drop-off event,” said Donnelly.
Children will have pizza, participate in a craft, visit with animals and enjoy popcorn. This month’s featured movie will be “Dog Gone Trouble.” Reservations are required to attend and can be made by calling 804-693-5520. The cost is $25 per child.
“That all goes right towards supporting our pets,” said Donnelly about the fee.
“Poses for Paws,” an hourlong yoga session, is held the second Sunday of every month from 10-11 a.m. at GMHS. The next session will be held this Sunday. The cost is $15 for individuals and $25 for families. People ages 10 and older can participate.
“That’s for all skill levels,” said Donnelly about the program. “It’s just really fun.”
All proceeds will go to the animals at the shelter and participants can visit with the pets after yoga.