The Missouri Humane Society has a new program where elementary school children spend time with its shelter dogs, reading to them from outside their kennels. It's beneficial for both the kids and the dogs, reported ABC, as the kids get to practice their reading skills and learn to recognize different emotional states in dogs, and the dogs have human interaction that makes them more open and friendly, but doesn't intimidate or scare them.

"We wanted to help our shy and fearful dogs without forcing physical interaction with them to see the positive effect that could have on them. We launched the program last Christmas, but now we offer it once a month," said Jo Klepacki, the program director, according to the Dodo. Kids between the ages of 6 and 15 can sign up.

"Ideally, that shy and fearful dog will approach and show interest. If so, the kids reinforce that behavior by tossing them a treat. What this is also doing is to bring the animals to the front in case potential adopters come through. They are more likely to get adopted if they are approaching and interacting, rather than hiding in the back or cowering," said Klepacki.

The program is creating both animal-friendly kids and kid-friendly animals. "It's encouraging children to develop empathy with animals. It's a peaceful, quiet exercise. They're seeing fearfulness in these animals, and seeing the positive effect they can have. It encourages them to look at things from an animal's perspective. That helps them better connect with animals and people in their lives," added Klepacki.

Watch the video below that shows a glimpse of the program in action, uploaded by HSMOlovesanimals.