At 3 p.m. each day, Hopper at the Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS) eagerly watches the door, anticipation written all over his face. This sweet pup spends most of his time waiting in his kennel for a forever home, but today is special: a beloved volunteer is about to walk in to read him a story.
Hopper’s excitement is palpable. While he gets plenty of affection from his shelter caregivers, there’s something extra special about the visitors who bring books. When 9-year-old Nehemiah arrives, Hopper’s tail wags with pure joy—he’s thrilled to see his young friend again.
Known for his high energy in his kennel, Hopper transforms into a calm, attentive listener during reading sessions with volunteers like Nehemiah. Instead of bouncing around, he sits serenely in front of the glass, soaking in the stories being read.
“Hopper is usually quite the lively pup in his kennel, but when Nehemiah reads to him, he becomes very focused and relaxed,” Samantha Ahnen, JHS’s community engagement manager, told The Dodo. “He loves sitting right by the window and cherishes their company.”
Nehemiah, who spends 30 minutes with each dog as part of the shelter’s Pawsitive Readers program, notices a marked difference in Hopper’s behavior during story time.
“Hopper is a very sweet and energetic dog,” Joanna McKenzie, Nehemiah’s grandmother, shared with The Dodo. “Reading seems to soothe him.”
But Hopper doesn’t just listen; he sometimes contributes his own tales to the story time.
“He likes to add his own barks to the mix during reading!” Ahnen said.
Nehemiah, though fond of his reading sessions with Hopper, wishes the lovable pup could find a forever home soon. Understanding the challenges of shelter life, Nehemiah volunteers multiple times a week, reading to the dogs to help ease their anxiety.
“He knows his reading sessions are comforting the dogs and also benefiting his own grades,” McKenzie said. “He’s passionate about his involvement and gets excited whenever a dog is adopted!”
The dogs at JHS are equally grateful for Nehemiah and the other volunteers who bring them comfort through reading.
“Studies show that listening to someone read aloud reduces stress in animals and helps them feel more relaxed,” Ahnen noted. “Shelters can be overwhelming and stressful for many pets, so we strive to make their time with us as calm as possible.”
Hopper is a living testament to the benefits of programs like JHS’s Pawsitive Readers. He thrives during story time, and his caregivers believe he will flourish in a loving, permanent home.
“Hopper will be happiest in a home where he is the only dog and can receive all the love and attention he deserves!” Ahnen said. “He’s looking for a patient and gentle family who will give him the time he needs to open up. Once you become Hopper’s best friend (which doesn’t take long!), he is incredibly loyal and loving.”
Thanks to Dolly’s Dream, who have sponsored Hopper’s adoption, finding his perfect match is the final step. Until then, his playful and joyful spirit will continue to brighten the halls of JHS.
Nehemiah has already helped several dogs find homes, including Auggie, Mikey, Diamond, Hallmark, and Sandwich. He hopes Hopper will soon join that list, but in the meantime, he treasures their reading sessions together.
“This program benefits both the animals at our shelter and the kind-hearted volunteers who spend their time reading,” Ahnen said. “We encourage everyone to explore similar reading programs at their local shelters. Many across the U.S. have initiatives like ours, and they’re a wonderful way to support animals in your community!”
It’s his favorite time of day ❤️
