Literacy & Story Time
In partnership with our local libraries, children can explore animals through books and first-hand interactions.
About this Program
AWS youth literacy programs combine core education with humane education. Many children find learning easier or more comprehensive with an animal companion by their side. Additionally, simply reading about animals can teach empathy, compassion and kindness. Our current literacy program, Furry Tales, is offered in partnership with local area libraries.
Rescue Readers
What to Expect
Open to students in grades 1-8. Rescue Readers brings together elementary/middle school students and resident or therapy pets for a half hour of literary-based confidence building. Reading aloud forms a special bond between student and pet. It provides enrichment and positive socialization for the animal, it boosts confidence in children, and it gives students a safe space to build a positive association with reading.
Students may choose from a variety of books on our special Rescue Readers book cart or they are welcome to bring their own reading materials.
Rescue Readers is on hiatus for the 2024-2025 school year.
Furry Tales Story Time
What is Furry Tales?
Furry Tales Story Time combines pets, literacy and fun! Toddlers, preschoolers and their families explore the exciting world of animals with stories, playtime, crafts, songs, movement and time to visit with a companion animal.
Furry Tales is a free story hour that takes place in partnership with the children’s librarians in our area. It is supported by our all-volunteer Visiting Pets team. Check out the listings here to find out when Furry Tales is heading to a library near you!
Thank you to Kennebunk Savings for sponsoring Rescue Readers and Furry Tales Story Hour for the 2023-2024 school year.
With their generosity, these programs are free to attend.
Questions?
For more information about the programs we offer our community’s youth, please email or telephone (207) 985-3244 ext. 109.
Follow Us!
Hello everyone! My name is Nala and I’m here with my friend Leo. We are friends and would like to find a home together! We were so happy when the AWS staff chose us to be the Pets of the Week this week to talk about why we’ll be double the fun if you bring us home!
Visit our profile to learn why bonded pairs are double the fun!
A very sweet Happy Homes! 🐾
"Charlie is doing great in his new home! After having to say goodbye to our last dog in September `23, we met Charlie in February and fell instantly in love. He’s a big, smart, playful, high-energy pupper! It took a few months for him to really get comfortable with us, but now he’s happy and settled in. He loves playing fetch in the yard, keeping watch for squirrels and pedestrians, and snoozing with his people. We’re so happy that this sweet, beautiful boy is part of our lives!"
Visit our profile to read more Happy Homes stories and submit your own!
This active guy just LOVES his new toy! Bronx is an energetic dog who loves his walks and being outside. He’s also been known for great snuggle sessions on the couch! Visit our profile to meet Bronx 🐾
Teaching your dog to walk with you comfortably is an all-important step if you want to take your dog with you anywhere. Whether it’s a walk on a hiking trail or around a busy city, knowing you can easily walk your dog without worrying they will pull is important! That’s why we teach loose leash walking. A loose leash walk is defined a walk where there is no tension on the leash.
Enjoy this photo from today’s basic class and visit our profile to learn more about loose leash walking!
Vada Faye sure loves her toys! And she`d love to find a new home full of love and toys 🐾
Visit our profile to meet Vada Faye!
