At Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS), it’s 3 p.m. and the air is buzzing with a special kind of excitement. Hopper, a spirited and sweet pup, is eagerly awaiting a familiar visitor who brings more than just a smile. Today, he’s looking forward to story time with 9-year-old Nehemiah, a dedicated volunteer who has a unique way of brightening the lives of the shelter’s residents.
Hopper, with his eyes fixed on the door, can barely contain his enthusiasm. The moment Nehemiah walks in, Hopper’s tail starts wagging furiously. It’s not just the sight of a friend that excites him—it’s the anticipation of the comfort and calm that comes with their reading sessions. While Hopper’s days at the shelter are often marked by energetic antics and playful jumps, the presence of a book and a friendly reader transforms him into a model of composure.
Samantha Ahnen, JHS’s community engagement manager, notes the remarkable difference in Hopper’s demeanor during these sessions. “Hopper is generally an active boy in his kennel, but when someone like Nehemiah comes to read to him, he becomes very attentive to them,” she explains. “He enjoys sitting right against the window across from where they are sitting and enjoys their company.”
Nehemiah’s commitment to reading with the shelter dogs is a heartwarming testament to the power of kindness and companionship. Each session lasts 30 minutes, during which Nehemiah reads aloud to Hopper, providing him with much-needed comfort. Joanna McKenzie, Nehemiah’s grandmother, observes the positive impact of these sessions, saying, “Reading seems to calm him down.”
But Hopper isn’t just a passive listener—he occasionally adds his own flair to the story time experience. “He likes to join in on story time by barking his own tales, too!” Ahnen adds. It’s moments like these that highlight the special bond formed between Nehemiah and Hopper, a bond built on shared stories and mutual affection.
Nehemiah’s dedication goes beyond just reading. He understands the challenges shelter animals face and uses his time to help ease their anxiety. “He knows his reading is providing comfort to the dogs and helping his grades,” McKenzie shares. “He loves the involvement, and he gets excited when the dogs get adopted!”
The benefits of such programs are well-documented. Studies show that listening to someone read out loud can significantly lower stress levels in animals, making shelters less daunting for these pets. “Shelters can be scary, stressful places for many pets,” Ahnen explains. “So here at JHS, we try to do everything we can to help the dogs and cats feel as calm as possible while they’re with us.”
For Hopper, the reading sessions are more than just a calming experience—they are a crucial part of his journey toward finding a forever home. With the support of Dolly’s Dream, who have generously sponsored Hopper’s adoption, the shelter is hopeful that he will soon find the perfect match. Until then, Hopper’s joyful personality continues to shine, lighting up the halls at JHS.
Nehemiah has already seen many dogs, like Auggie, Mikey, Diamond, Hallmark, and Sandwich, find their new homes thanks to the Pawsitive Readers program. He remains optimistic that Hopper will soon be added to that list. “This program is a win-win for the animals at our shelter and the generous folks who volunteer their time to read,” Ahnen says. “We highly encourage folks to look into reading programs at their local shelters. Many shelters across the U.S. have programs similar to ours, and it is a great way to support animals in your own community!”
As Hopper waits for his new family, he continues to bask in the warmth of story time with Nehemiah, proving that even in the midst of uncertainty, a little bit of love and a good book can make all the difference.
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