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Book buddies: Orange County shelter launches program for kids to read to adoptable pets

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Once upon a time, there was a dog in the shelter alone in his kennel until a little boy or girl pulled up a chair and cracked open a book.

Orange County Animal Services announced a new program called “Book Buddies” where students are invited to read their favorite stories one-on-one to adoptable shelter pets.

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“It’s a beautiful experience for both our readers and our animals,” shelter officials said. “And we’re hoping to get as many people interested as we can.”

The new program encourages teachers, schools and parents to keep the program in mind for kids looking for a way to give back.

Read: Orange County Animal Services extends weekend adoption hours

You can learn more about the program and sign up here.

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Sarah Wilson

Sarah Wilson, WFTV.com

Sarah Wilson joined WFTV Channel 9 in 2018 as a digital producer after working as an award-winning newspaper reporter for nearly a decade in various communities across Central Florida.