Community events are a wonderful way to bring people together and strengthen their relationships with one another. Adding pets into this mix is beneficial for many reasons: not only does it boost engagement (who doesn’t want to attend an event with animals?), but it also allows people to experience the human-animal bond in a more universal way. Our Reading with Kittens events held at the Livonia Public Library have been a success in more ways than one. Both the people and felines in attendance are impacted in positive, healthy ways that demonstrate how vital pets are not only to our lives but also to our community.  

During Reading with Kittens, a particular age group (either children, teens, or adults) come to the Livonia Public Library to read with a sweet, cuddly kitten from Michigan Humane at their side. As you can imagine, the beginning of the event is filled with excitement (and sometimes a little chaos) as both the humans and the animals become acquainted with one another. However, both parties eventually settle in and spend quality time together reading, playing and bonding.  

The response to Reading with Kittens has been overwhelmingly positive amongst all age groups. Nicole Thomas, Michigan Humane’s Call Center Manager, works alongside Stephanie Noble, Programs Manager at Michigan Humane, to help organize all Reading with Kittens events. “Kids just love it, especially those that can’t have pets at home,” Nicole commented. “My favorite part is seeing these children/teens genuinely excited and happy to be interacting with animals.” 

Not only does this event give people access to animals, but it can also be a form of education for them, especially those who may have a fear of animals or have not had many opportunities to handle them. Reading with Kittens provides positive learning opportunities like these in a safe, controlled, and fun space.  

Before coming to Michigan Humane, Nicole was a teacher for many years and has noticed how this event also promotes inclusion, especially among teenagers. They are all very welcoming and willing to share the kittens to ensure everyone gets to spend time with them. Even the adults who bring their children to Reading with Kittens have just as much fun (if not more) than their kids. No matter how old you are, Reading with Kittens allows you to experience the love and companionship of a pet alongside fellow peers. 

Reading with Kittens helps our feline participants, too. The shelter is a stressful environment, so bringing them outside of that space can be beneficial for them. Engaging with people also helps with socialization, especially for kittens who may have come to Michigan Humane as strays who don’t have experience interacting with people. The skills that the animals learn during Reading with Kittens help increase their chances of adoption once they are ready to find a new home.  

The welcoming atmosphere at Reading with Kittens has given Nicole and Stephanie the chance to socialize with people in the community and have conversations about our organization and the work that we do. This outreach has led to a stronger relationship with the library and the residents of Livonia. Recently, a donation bin was added inside the library for people to donate items to the animals in care at Michigan Humane. We are excited to strengthen our partnership with this community.  

Pet-friendly community events can have a significant impact on both animals and people who live there. The next time you’re free, consider attending a pet-friendly event in your area. Our last event of the year, Reading with Kittens with Adults, is March 9th from 11 am-1 pm at the Livonia Public Library. We hope to see you there!