TUCSON, Ariz. — It may be impossible for only a handful of people to adopt every pet in need of a good home, but some local kids are trying to do the next best thing at the Pima Animal Care Center.
PACC Tales is a volunteering program where kids read to the dogs and cats at the center. The idea is that this is beneficial for everyone involved. The kids get to learn about giving back to their community, while the animals are able to spend more time with humans.
This was 10-year-old Shyanne Borden's first time reading to the animals.
"Its good for practicing for reading for me, and its better for the animals so they can get more used to humans," said Borden.
And 14-year-old Julia Ewer has been a volunteer since last August. She also advocates for specific animals to get adopted.
"Sometimes if someone comes by and see you reading to them, they're more likely to stop and ask about that animal, because they see they're good with you," said Ewer.
PACC Tales is a program that has been around for three years, but organizers told KGUN9, its just now really gaining traction. They credit some of the program's growth to paccPACC's new facility and space.
"The new facility gives us a lot more space, and ability to kind of space people out. Because in the old facility, the cat room wasn't quite as large as this one. And we're lucky enough to have these cat-ios where people can go and sit and actually be with the animals, as opposed to just being cramped next to a kennel," said Nikki Reck, the Pima County communications specialist.
PACC Tales welcomes volunteers of all ages, but does prefer children start around age six. If your child is interested in reading to the animals at PACC, email paccvolunteer@pima.gov, for volunteer information.
