Sit. Stay. Listen. It’s storytime.

Okemos, Michigan — For its first year of programming, the Capital Area Humane Society’s Tales to Tails reading program is partnering with Delta Dental to brighten more smiles and wag more tails.

From February through June, the humane society will open its doors to offer the Tales to Tails Reading Program for children ages 5-13.

The program allows local children who are comfortable around animals to hone their reading skills by reading a book aloud to a dog, cat, rabbit or other furry friend up for adoption through the Capital Area Humane Society.

The idea is that in reading to an animal, a child doesn’t worry about peer pressure or the stress of making mistakes. Instead, the child can build confidence and practice reading and oratory skills.

And the program helps fearful animals learn to relax around people, like teaching high-energy dogs that calm behavior is desirable.

As a program sponsor, Delta Dental’s funding is providing books, electronic readers, a book display and floor cushions for children to sit on while they read.

“At Delta Dental, we know that reading skills are directly connected to school success,” said Teri Battaglieri, Director of Communications, Corporate Citizenship and Philanthropy at Delta Dental. “This unique program helps children build their literacy skills in a positive, stress free environment while also helping animals who need homes.”

On March 10, children of Delta Dental employees will have the opportunity to participate in the program and read to animals up for adoption.

"We are so excited to be partnering with Delta Dental to help children and area homeless pets," said Julia Willson, President and CEO of Capital Area Humane Society. "Tales to Tails draws on the natural connection between pets and children, and gives all involved more confidence. We are so grateful for the generous support that makes this program possible."

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About Delta Dental of Michigan Delta Dental of Michigan and its affiliates in Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio and Tennessee collectively are among the largest dental plan administrators in the nation. In 2016, the enterprise paid out $3.6 billion for dental care for 12.8 million members. Offices are located in Okemos and Farmington Hills, Michigan; Sherwood and Little Rock, Arkansas; Indianapolis, Indiana; Louisville, Kentucky; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina; Cleveland, Cincinnati and Dublin, Ohio; and Nashville, Knoxville and Memphis, Tennessee.

About Capital Area Humane Society (CAHS) Founded in 1936, the Capital Area Humane Society is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes the humane treatment of companion animals through protection, placement, education, and example. CAHS is local, private, and all donations and gifts directed to the CAHS are used to assist the over 10,000 animals they care for in the greater Lansing community annually. The Capital Area Humane Society is located at 7095 West Grand River Avenue in Lansing, with the Spay & Neuter Clinic located at 5919 South Cedar Street in Lansing. To learn more about the mission and vision of the Capital Area Humane Society, visit www.AdoptLansing.org or call (517) 626-6060.