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Adoption success

Florida 11-year-old read to shelter dog Hopper, and he was adopted after nearly 400 days

Florida

Yahoo • July 30, 2026

Florida 11-year-old read to shelter dog Hopper, and he was adopted after nearly 400 days

The Jacksonville Humane Society in Florida has a heartwarming program called Pawsitive Reading, which pairs young readers with shelter dogs to help them become more comfortable around people. Eleven-year-old Nehemiah Turner volunteered over 100 hours reading to shelter animals, including an 11-year-old dog named Hopper. Hopper, who had been at the shelter for nearly 400 days, was eventually adopted after spending time with Nehemiah. The program not only benefits the dogs by providing positive interactions but also helps children improve their reading skills, build confidence, and learn about community service. The Pawsitive Reading program has seen over 2,000 participants, and Nehemiah's dedication has been widely praised. If you're interested in helping, consider volunteering at your local shelter or humane society, whether it's through dog socialization, youth programs, walking dogs, or fostering pets. Donations and sharing shelter pets' profiles can also make a difference in finding them loving homes.

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