To The Editor:

I would like to acknowledge the amazing people at the Newtown Animal Shelter. This was the second year they had the "Reading to the Animals Program" for children. It is such a gift to the people of Newtown. As soon as you walk into their facility you know you are in a place that loves animals and wants to teach people to respect and love all animals. Each parent and child gets a lesson on what to do and not to do when you are there. For example, stay seated in the chair while reading because if you stand the dogs sometimes continue to bark. They have a selection of books available to choose from or you can bring your own. It's amazing to watch the children getting in their reading practice and watch the dogs slowly calm down and get comfortable (and many times fall asleep!). We even brought friends from Ridgefield with us once so they could read and observe and hopefully bring this to their town.

This is not just a program that helps encourage a love of reading. It is a program that teaches the children about the responsibility of adopting an animal, taking care of it, and how to behave around animals. They can see firsthand what happens when people do not do that and animals end up at the shelter. It reinforces that every animal has a story and sometimes they need a little extra love. They are getting that in abundance at our animal shelter. That would not be possible without hardworking and big-hearted people like Amy, Carolee, and Matt at the Newtown Animal Shelter. Thank you. Thank you for teaching our children and encouraging them to respect all living things.

Sincerely,

Debbie DeBlasi

5 Megans Circle, Newtown         September 5, 2017