In the peaceful town of Wildomar, California, a unique initiative is transforming the lives of both shelter dogs and local children. Every Wednesday afternoon at Animal Friends of the Valleys, volunteers gather for a heartwarming activity known as Saving Huey’s Reading Program. The program provides a compassionate space where children read aloud to shelter dogs—bringing a sense of calm, companionship, and love to animals awaiting their forever homes.
While the act may appear simple, it has a profound emotional effect on the animals. The soothing cadence of a child’s voice offers comfort to dogs who may feel anxious or frightened in the shelter environment. Children are thoughtfully matched with dogs who are likely to respond positively, ensuring mutual benefit and safety. These sessions help the dogs build trust in people, showcasing their friendlier, more relaxed sides to potential adopters.
One especially touching moment emerged when a young boy met a quiet blue and white Pit Bull named Romeo. Known for being reserved, Romeo’s demeanor shifted the instant the boy began reading. As the boy sat cross-legged with his book in hand, Romeo cautiously crept closer, drawn by the gentle voice and kind presence across the kennel bars.
What began as a simple reading session blossomed into an inseparable bond. Shelter staff watched in awe as Romeo, typically withdrawn, engaged in soft wagging and eye contact, indicating a deepening connection. The boy too was visibly moved—his heart responding to the tender, trusting gaze of the dog beside him.
Over the course of the next few program visits, their bond only grew stronger. Unable to stop thinking about Romeo, the boy finally asked his parents if they could bring him home. Moved by their son’s compassion and recognizing the special relationship he had built with the dog, the parents reached out to the shelter to begin the adoption process.
On that joyful day, Romeo officially became part of a loving family. Renamed Gomez, he left the shelter not just as a pet, but as a beloved companion. The transition was seamless. Gomez thrived in his new surroundings, quickly adapting to family life and discovering the joy of having a sibling—another family dog who welcomed him warmly.
At home, Gomez settled in with ease:
- He enjoyed long play sessions with his canine sibling.
- He formed a deep bond with the young boy who first read to him.
- He embraced the warmth of a home after months in a kennel.
The story of Gomez and his young friend illustrates the unique success of Saving Huey’s Reading Program—not only in reducing stress for shelter dogs but also in cultivating empathy in the children who participate. The staff at Animal Friends of the Valleys continues to facilitate these powerful moments that often lead to permanent homes filled with love and acceptance.
For Gomez, it all started with a quiet voice and a simple book. From loneliness in a kennel to snuggling with his new family, his journey showcases how a single act of kindness can change everything.
Thanks to the love shared between one boy and one dog, both lives were forever changed—for the better.
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