Imagine this: A child reading, carefully sounding out a tricky word. Instead of anxious glances from classmates, they’re met with the tail wag of a shelter dog, listening patiently, judgment-free.
That’s the heartwarming scene behind Tails & Tales, a program at Pets Lifeline’s 21-year-old Summer Camp that pairs young readers with rescue dogs in need of love and connection. With support from a $1,000 Kindness Grant, this year’s program will include a new collection of kindness-themed books, chosen specifically to spark empathy, compassion, and confidence in the young readers, and to share moments of care with the dogs who listen.
It’s a simple, brilliant idea: Kids build literacy skills in a low-pressure, loving environment. Shelter dogs experience companionship and human interaction, which helps them become more adoptable. Both walk away having been on the receiving end of kindness!
That’s why the TDB Family Foundation was thrilled to select Tails & Tales as a Kindness Grant recipient. This project stood out for its creativity, its dual impact, and its perfect alignment with our Pet-Powered Pawzitivity pillar. Because it’s not just about books or dogs, it’s about nurturing the next generation of compassionate humans and reminding every creature that they matter.
We can’t wait to see the ripples this program creates this summer and beyond.
➡️ Learn more or support Pets Lifeline at petslifeline.org
➡️ Inspired to launch your own kindness project? Apply for a $1,000 Kindness Grant at tdbff.org/kindness-grants
Photo Courtesy of Pets Lifeline