The San Diego Humane Society participated in Petco’s “read and share your love’ event on Saturday, inspiring children to read to shelter pets.
The event comes in advance of National Kids and Pets Day on April 26. Kids across the country are gathered by the nonprofit Petco Love to share their love with shelter pets, reading Tony and Emmy award-winning actress Kristin Chenoweth’s inspiring book “What Will I Do with My Love Today?”
The event empowers children to practice their reading skills and put their love into action, increasing public awareness of saving pet lives through adoption, kindness, and volunteering.
“San Diego Humane Society is proud to participate in this national effort to encourage children to read and share their love with our pets,” commented Sr. Director of Community Engagement Elkie Wills. “We have many ‘good listeners’ here who are ready to be adopted!”
Chenoweth’s new tale for children ages four to eight highlights the power of pet adoption. It recounts the ‘made for each other’ adoption of Chenoweth’s rescue dog, Thunder. In her message, Chenoweth said, "extra love in your heart and your home is waiting for someone who’s all alone” and “adoption means family, and family’s forever”.
The book also advocates helping the community, and in that spirit, it was donated to 50 participating animal welfare organizations by Petco Love and the publisher.
“Seeing the relationship between a child and a pet is magical, it’s pure love. I hope Kristin’s message “What Will I Do With My Love Today?” inspires children and families to put their love into action for pets in need nationwide. Bringing pets and children together will make the world a better place as pets are a positive influence on a child’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. It’s a mutually beneficial, unconditional friendship,” said Susanne Kogut, President of Petco Love.
Petco Love will also be giving away autographed copies of Chenoweth’s book on Instagram via @PetcoLove on April 21 through April 26 in celebration of National Kids and Pets Day.
