LAS VEGAS (KSNV/CNN) - There are some things you expect walking through an animal shelter like the sound of many dogs vying for attention.
But over in Bungalow 8A at the Animal Foundation, a small voice seems to lower the anxiety level.
Jade Sandoval, 6, read a book called "The Stray Dog" to a pit bull named "Sky."
“The thing I like about dogs is that they're furry and they're not like pet snakes because snakes can bite,” Sandoval said. “Well they do bite.”
Sandoval was here with about 80 other first graders practicing their reading skills to an audience that never judges - adoptable dogs looking for a new home.
“I like them because they are very good,” said 6-year-old Braxton Marshal.
“I think it develops this life-long love of learning,” said Spencer Stewart, chancellor of Western Governors University Nevada which sponsors the program.
"Research has shown if children can read at grade level, they'll be much more successful academically and professionally," Stewart said.
This is the third year of the read to dogs event.
The children aren't the only ones to benefit. The dogs are learning socialization, making them more adoptable.
“Maybe if they're (the dogs) a little shy, give them time to spend with people in a non-threatening atmosphere,” said Christi Dineff of the Animal Foundation.
As the day wears on the dogs do settle in even licking the walls.
Many children here, like Sandoval have dogs of their own to talk about.
“He loves to cuddle in my bed with me and he loves drinking water,” Sandoval said.
But chances are it's the innocence 6-year-olds just learning to read.
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