Reading goes to the dogs at Regina's Humane Society

The Regina Humane Society has started a new program to help dogs adapt to life in a home before being adopted.

But, this is program is different than dropping by the shelter to walk and play with the dogs — it is looking for people to read to the canines.

"It's a great way to have dogs spend some down time with people," said Teresa Sabourin, a volunteer co-ordinator of the Regina Humane Society. "They're much calmer in their kennels."

Sabourin said the program has already attracted interest from university students and seniors.

CBC's Craig Lederhouse, host of the Afternoon Edition, was at the shelter Monday to spend some quality time with a German Shepherd cross named Dandy.

Shelter staff said Dandy has a reputation as something of a party animal.

Lederhouse climbed into Dandy's cage with "The Art of Racing in the Rain," in hand — a book written from the point of view of a dog.

"The sound of a person's voice could be really soothing for a dog," said Sabourin. "Sometimes people may feel a little funny reading out loud, so we are pretty flexible about people's comfort level."

If anyone is interested in volunteering to read to the dogs at the shelter, they can call the Humane Society.