At exactly 3 p.m., Hopper perks up.
He’s not reacting to a treat bag or a leash—he’s waiting for something else entirely: a story. From his kennel at the Jacksonville Humane Society, the spirited pup watches the door closely. And when a young boy named Nehemiah walks in holding a book, Hopper lights up.
This isn’t just routine. For Hopper, it’s the best part of the day.
A New Level of Calm
Normally, Hopper is full of energy. He jumps. He runs in circles. He does whatever he can to catch someone’s attention. But when someone sits down and opens a book, something incredible happens.
He sits. He listens. He smiles through the glass.
“Hopper’s behavior completely shifts,” said Samantha Ahnen, the shelter’s community engagement manager. “Reading has such a calming effect on him.”
Why? Maybe it’s the gentle rhythm of the voice. Maybe it’s the closeness. Whatever the reason, Hopper relaxes like never before.
The Power of Storytime
Nehemiah, just 9 years old, spends a half hour with each dog as part of the Pawsitive Readers program. It’s a simple idea—kids read aloud to shelter animals. But the impact is powerful.
“Hopper is such a sweet dog with a lot of energy,” said Nehemiah’s grandma, Joanna McKenzie. “But something about reading makes him settle down.”
Sometimes Hopper even adds his own spin on the story—barking at just the right moment or wagging his tail in excitement. It’s adorable.
A Hopeful Future
While Nehemiah enjoys their reading time, he can’t help but wish Hopper had a home of his own. So far, he’s read to several dogs who later found families: Auggie, Diamond, Hallmark, and more.
Will Hopper be next?
“He just needs the right person to come along,” said Ahnen. “Someone who’ll be patient and kind while he adjusts.”
Hopper’s ideal home? A quiet place where he’s the only dog—and can soak up every bit of love. And thanks to Dolly’s Dream, his adoption fees are already covered.
Hopper’s Future Family
Reading to dogs might seem like a small act. But it works.
“Studies show that it lowers stress and helps shelter pets feel more at ease,” said Ahnen. “Shelters can be overwhelming. Anything that helps animals feel safer while they wait for homes is worth doing.”
And it’s not just happening at Jacksonville. Similar reading programs are available across the U.S. Could you be part of one?
A Bright Future Ahead
Thanks to Dolly’s Dream, the organization covering Hopper’s adoption fees, all that’s missing now is the right person to take him home. Until that day comes, Hopper continues to brighten every corner of the shelter with his cheerful spirit and playful heart.
Nehemiah has seen many of his storytime buddies find loving homes—dogs like Auggie, Mikey, Diamond, Hallmark, and Sandwich. He’s holding onto hope that Hopper will be next. But in the meantime, he’s savoring every story shared and every tail wag from his special friend.
“This program is a win-win for the animals at our shelter and the generous folks who volunteer their time to read,” Ahnen said. “We highly encourage folks to look into reading programs at their local shelters. Many shelters across the U.S. have programs similar to ours, and it is a great way to support animals in your community!”