TAHOE/TRUCKEE, Calif. — The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe has wrapped up its fourth year conducting a successful Pet Pals Humane Education program, which is run almost completely by volunteers. Funded by a grant from Vail Resorts Echo program, Pet Pals serves to fulfill the critical education component of the HSTT’s mission.

The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe’s Pet Pals incorporates guest animals and fun interaction to educate kids about important topics such as how to care for your pet and how to be safe around animals. The program also introduces children to issues that affect the community, such as the importance of spaying and neutering your pets and also teaches them about the role of working dogs. This year’s program included a special guest appearance from Officer Pete Mann of the Truckee CHP, who did an exciting demonstration with his fellow human and canine officers.

More than 300 second graders from Truckee and Glenshire Elementary Schools benefited from this year’s program, with printed and copied material generously donated by the Copy Center in Truckee.

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In addition to Pet Pals, the HSTT’s Education committee runs the Read Up For Fun (RUFF) program, which assists kids with reading difficulties by pairing them with a licensed therapy dog for one-on-one sessions. Everyone knows dogs are great listeners, and studies have shown the presence of a dog can calm kid’s tensions while reading aloud. This year’s RUFF Program had eight certified volunteer dog teams, who met regularly with 24 students at Glenshire and Truckee Elementary Schools, and Sierra Expeditionary Learning Center. Past years have shown an average improvement in students reading by more than one grade level, and more importantly, a new love for reading, as a result of this program, which the HSTT plans to continue on a year-round basis.

The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe was founded in 1994 by a group of volunteers and has become the driving force of animal rescue and adoption for the Truckee-North Lake Tahoe area. Over the last decade it has evolved to a nationally recognized nonprofit organization with four employees and hundreds of dedicated volunteers, offering a variety of services and programs, including adoption days, fostering, public education, pet-assisted therapy, and community spay and neuter.

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The organization is on the home stretch raising funds to complete a new animal shelter, currently under construction on Stockrest Springs Road in Truckee.

To become a Hero with the Heroes Now & Forever campaign which will assist the HSTT in its goal to complete the new shelter’s construction, or for additional information visit http://www.HSTT.org or call 530-587-5948. For up-to-the-minute news, “Like” HSTT on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/HumaneSocietyofTruckeeTahoe.