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It’s 3 p.m. at the Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS), and Hopper's gaze is glued to the door. This eager pup, who usually spends his days waiting for a forever home, knows today is different—his favorite part of the day is about to begin. A familiar volunteer, 9-year-old Nehemiah, is about to walk in with a book.
Hopper's tail wags furiously as he catches sight of Nehemiah. Though the shelter staff shower him with love, it's these special book-reading visits that truly light up his day. When Nehemiah enters the room, Hopper’s energy shifts from his usual rambunctiousness to a calm, attentive demeanor. He eagerly sits by the glass, soaking in the warmth of his friend’s presence.
“Hopper is usually quite the active boy in his kennel,” says Samantha Ahnen, JHS’s community engagement manager. “But when Nehemiah comes to read, he transforms into a model listener, enjoying every moment.”
Even Nehemiah notices the difference. “Hopper is full of energy, but reading seems to calm him down,” says Joanna McKenzie, Nehemiah’s grandmother. “It’s amazing to see how much he enjoys these sessions.”
Sometimes, Hopper doesn’t just listen; he adds his own vocal flair to the storytime. “He loves to contribute his own ‘barks’ to the tale,” Ahnen laughs.
Nehemiah, who spends 30 minutes with each dog as part of JHS’s Pawsitive Readers program, hopes for Hopper’s quick adoption. He knows firsthand how tough shelter life can be and finds solace in easing the dogs’ anxiety through reading.
“Hopper’s storytime brings him comfort, and Nehemiah’s involvement helps him both academically and emotionally,” McKenzie explains. “Nehemiah is thrilled whenever a dog gets adopted, and he’s hopeful Hopper will soon find his forever home.”
The Pawsitive Readers program is more than just a comforting ritual; studies show that reading aloud lowers stress in animals, making shelters a bit less daunting. “At JHS, we strive to make every pet feel as calm as possible,” Ahnen adds. “Hopper is a prime example of how beneficial these sessions can be.”
With Dolly’s Dream sponsoring Hopper’s adoption, all that’s left is to find his perfect match. Until then, his vibrant personality will continue to brighten the shelter halls.
Nehemiah has already helped many dogs find homes through his reading program, including Auggie, Mikey, Diamond, Hallmark, and Sandwich. He hopes Hopper will soon join the ranks of adopted pups but is relishing their time together in the meantime.
“This program is a win-win for both the animals and the volunteers,” Ahnen says. “We encourage everyone to explore similar reading programs at their local shelters. It’s a wonderful way to support animals in your community!”
