If you consider yourself an avid reader, then you understand the delight books can provide.
Diving into that universe within the pages can be among the most enchanting experiences imaginable. But, were you aware that dogs can experience that sentiment as well?
Indeed, you heard correctly! Nestled in a shelter at Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS) is a dog named Hopper who gazes at the door tirelessly when the clock hits 3. You might assume he’s anticipating potential adopters, which could be true, but he’s also watching out for a longtime companion.
Hopper, The Joyful Pup
Each day at 3 p.m., a 9-year-old named Nehemiah walks into Jacksonville humane with a specific goal – to read a story. As soon as Hopper catches sight of him, his excitement is palpable and his tail starts wagging vigorously!
Although he often appears quite energetic in his kennel, Hopper entirely changes character when Nehemiah brings out one of his captivating tales. He shifts from a playful pup to a well-behaved dog who sits calmly, beaming at the volunteer.
“Hopper is usually an energetic fellow in his kennel, but when someone like Nehemiah shows up to read, he becomes exceptionally attentive. He loves to sit right by the window facing them and relishes their presence,” Samantha Ahnen, JHS’s community engagement manager, expressed to The Dodo.
Nehemiah dedicates 30 minutes reading to each dog in the shelter as part of the shelter’s Pawsitive Readers initiative, and he has even observed a change in Hopper’s demeanor whenever he spots a book.
“Hopper is an incredibly sweet boy [with] abundant energy. Reading appears to soothe him,” Joanna McKenzie, Nehemiah’s grandmother remarked.
However, there are times when Hopper feels that merely listening isn’t sufficient and he starts contributing his own perspectives to the narrative by barking!
