Picture row after row of shy, anxious, unwanted dogs in their little shelter cubicles. Enter a group of children bearing books. They scope out the most timid, frightened dogs and sit on the floor in front of them, open their books, and start reading to them. By the end of a single children’s book, the dogs are more relaxed and actually interacting with the children.
The dogs win: they become more open and trusting of humans, making them cuter and more adoptable.
The children win: they learn empathy while practicing their reading skills.
The dogs wag: they wag their way into adoption.
You have to watch this brief video.