Cats have a small library at the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley.
Cats?
Actually, the books are for kids to read to cats so that the adoptable animals improve their socialization in a new program called Book Buddies.
Grant and Grace Strobeck were the first to try the new program on Friday in the Shelter’s cat room. Cats lounged and listened, and although they may have lacked understanding, the cats enjoyed the company.
“Cats need socialization,” said Shelter Executive Director Maggie Jackman Pryor. “Who wants to walk in and have a cat that doesn’t like you?”
Book Buddies also serves other purposes––getting young people familiar with the Shelter and honing their reading skills over the summer.
“We want people, especially young people, to know what the Shelter is,” Ms. Pryor said. “They more they know, the more they can help the animals.”
The Shelter has many adoptable cats and kittens, she added.
Kids can sign up to read on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 9am to 11am. There’s no reading on Wednesday and Thursday.
To reserve a 30-minute time slot, call the Shelter at 518-296-8390.
The Shelter has books available or kids can bring their own.

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Besides Book Buddies, Ms. Pryor is offering dog-walking for those who want to give one some exercise.
Dog Strolls are Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5 to 7 starting today, the 21st.
“We’re hoping to get all of our dogs out every day for a walk, and it gets too hot during daytime hours,” Ms. Pryor said.
People must register ahead and should call for a 30-minute time slot.

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The Shelter is also planning for its first pet talent show that will be at the Sunshine Fair August 13 and 14.
Anyone interested should call the Shelter for more information and to register a pet.