KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A new effort in Knoxville to help elementary school students improve their reading skills involves some four-legged friends. The Tennessee Veterinary Medical Foundation is providing financial support to animal-assisted programs throughout the state.
The group describes "Human-Animal Bond in Tennessee," or "HABIT," as a community group of volunteers working together to explore the circumstances and consequences of the human-animal bond.
"HABIT is comprised of representatives from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, volunteers from the community, and private veterinary practitioners," the group said.
HABIT said it sponsors programs that foster pet visitation to nursing homes, assisted-living residences, retirement centers, mental health centers, residences for children with special needs, rehabilitation facilities, hospital settings and other facilities.
Schools have often been part of the HABIT program since its start in 1986. Around 106 schools in Knox County have a "ruff reading" or "purrfect reading" program allowing students to read to a volunteer and their dog or cat in a one-on-one setting.
"We've seen the human bond, we know the kids and how they relate and how dogs relate to kids, so we think it's a win-win situation for both," said Mike Fenwick, the treasurer for the veterinary foundation.
HABIT said the program has over 400 members with over 250 of them being active volunteers involved in its 70 different programs.
Those interested in volunteering can email HABIT@utk.edu.