Shirley, NY - October 8th, 2014 - The Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library recently held a community celebration to honor the children who donated their summer reading program prizes to local animal shelters, and to say thanks to the certified therapy dogs, Mya, Keira, Rosie, Stella, and their handlers from the “Tail Waggin’ and Readin’ Fun” program who gather three times a week to listen to children read and help boost their literacy confidence.

Summer reading program participants from all ages up through sixth grade, had the opportunity to earn a prize each time they finished 200 pages of reading; but instead of earning prizes for themselves the children generously chose to give their prizes to their furry friends which resulted in nine large boxes of food, biscuits and other goodies for the animals receiving care at Save-a-Pet in Port Jefferson and the Brookhaven and Southampton Animal Shelters.

“This is a great way for our children to get excited about reading while supporting the local shelters that care for our four-legged friends,” said Kerri Rosalia, Director, Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library. “We are very grateful for the generosity of our student readers, the therapy dogs and their handlers who give so freely of their time to help boost a child’s confidence.”

During the celebration, the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation was on hand with potential feline adoptees and to provide information about their mobile spay and neuter clinic.

The “Tail Waggin’ and Readin’ Fun” program is held three times per week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for children entering kindergarten through seventh grade. The program is designed to provide a relaxed atmosphere where children can practice their reading skills without feeling self-conscious. Registration is required. For more information, please call (631) 399-1511, extension 260.

Celebrating the generosity of the readers who donated items to homeless pets and the handlers of certified therapy dogs Mya, Keira, Rosie and Stella at the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library Celebration.