Living in a shelter could be lonely for animals. Their needs don't end with being cleaned and being fed. They need to feel that they are loved and they are special.

With that, the Animal Rescue League of Berks County started Book Buddies, where children read books to cats. While waiting for families to adopt them, the cats will feel a little less lonely.

Children in grades one through eight come to the animal shelter and read books to the cats that are waiting to be adopted. The program is designed to help socialize and soothe the cats. On the other hand, it can also make the kids feel more confident of their reading skills, the Dodo reported.

Surprisingly, the cats would sit beside the kids and listen to the stories with some playing in between. Both the kids and the cats end up very happy!

The Book Buddies Program was implemented by then-ARL Program Coordinator, Kristi Rodriguez.  Her son, Sean, a 10-year-old 5th grader, was the inspiration for the program. Sean struggled with reading but when his mother brought him to the shelter to read to the cats, he loved it and improved his reading skills.  They came up with the idea that other kids would love doing it too. Hence, the program officially began in August 2013, according the shelter's website.