Following Best Friends’ successes, Lafayette Animal Aid has begun the “I Read to Animals” community enrichment program, targeting children with reading challenges in Acadiana. The program pairs certified therapy animals with middle school classes in local schools, where children gain confidence and skill reading, while learning about responsible, loving animal care.
Lafayette Animal Aid received a grant from the Junior League of Lafayette in 2012 to expand the program, which now serves nine area middle schools. The impact on the children is “just beautiful,” notes one of the program leaders, Deborah Clothier. Her therapy dog, Henri, serves as the unconditionally captive audience for the children’s reading exercises.
The growth and success of the program is also a credit to the hard work and dedication of Robin Picheloup, a gifted education teacher. Lafayette Animal Aid hopes to continue the program’s reach and impact with additional grant support and volunteer involvement.
KLFY video coverage of “I Read to Animals” at Evangeline Elementary.
