Desmond Allen reads to "Ginger," a cat up for adoption, during "The Book Buddies Program" at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania February 11, 2014. Children in grades 1-8 read to the cats as a way to improve their reading skills and gain confidence. The shelter animals can be a non-evaluative presence that can provide support and comfort to participants without judging them. Students showed sustained focus and maintained a higher state of awareness, as well as improved attitudes toward school, according to researchers at Tufts University. Photo taken February 11, 2014. REUTERS/Mark Makela (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY EDUCATION ANIMALS TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

Colby Procyk reads to "Nicky," "Zane," and "kochi," (L-R) cats up for adoption, during "The Book Buddies Program" at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania February 11, 2014. Children in grades 1-8 read to the cats as a way to improve their reading skills and gain confidence. The shelter animals can be a non-evaluative presence that can provide support and comfort to participants without judging them. Students showed sustained focus and maintained a higher state of awareness, as well as improved attitudes toward school, according to researchers at Tufts University. Photo taken February 11, 2014. REUTERS/Mark Makela (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY EDUCATION ANIMALS) 

Seth and Ethan Wiggins (R) read to "Stewart" and "Tyler," cats up for adoption, as part of "The Book Buddies Program" at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania February 11, 2014. Children in grades 1-8 read to the cats as a way to improve their reading skills and gain confidence. The shelter animals can be a non-evaluative presence that can provide support and comfort to participants without judging them. Students showed sustained focus and maintained a higher state of awareness, as well as improved attitudes toward school, according to researchers at Tufts University. Photo taken February 11, 2014. REUTERS/Mark Makela (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY EDUCATION ANIMALS) 

A humorous sign hangs in an enclosure for cats up for adoption, at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County, as children arrive for the "The Book Buddies Program" in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania February 11, 2014. Children in grades 1-8 read to the cats as a way to improve their reading skills and gain confidence. The shelter animals can be a non-evaluative presence that can provide support and comfort to participants without judging them. Students showed sustained focus and maintained a higher state of awareness, as well as improved attitudes toward school, according to researchers at Tufts University. Photo taken February 11, 2014. REUTERS/Mark Makela (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY EDUCATION ANIMALS) 

(L-R) Samuel Trego and Ben Spiri read to "Stewart," a cat up for adoption, during "The Book Buddies Program" at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County in Birdsboro, PA on February 11, 2014. Children in grades 1-8 read to the cats as a way to improve their reading skills and gain confidence. The shelter animals can be a non-evaluative presence that can provide support and comfort to participants without judging them. Students showed sustained focus and maintained a higher state of awareness, as well as improved attitudes toward school, according to researchers at Tufts University. Photo taken February 11, 2014. REUTERS/Mark Makela (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY EDUCATION ANIMALS) 

Kaitlyn Karkoska reads to "Jingles," a cat up for adoption, during "The Book Buddies Program" at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania February 11, 2014. Children in grades 1-8 read to the cats as a way to improve their reading skills and gain confidence. The shelter animals can be a non-evaluative presence that can provide support and comfort to participants without judging them. Students showed sustained focus and maintained a higher state of awareness, as well as improved attitudes toward school, according to researchers at Tufts University. Photo taken February 11, 2014. REUTERS/Mark Makela (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY EDUCATION ANIMALS) 

Samuel Trego and Ben Spiri (R) read to "Stewart," a cat up for adoption, during "The Book Buddies Program" at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County in Birdsboro, PA on February 11, 2014. Children in grades 1-8 read to the cats as a way to improve their reading skills and gain confidence. The shelter animals can be a non-evaluative presence that can provide support and comfort to participants without judging them. Students showed sustained focus and maintained a higher state of awareness, as well as improved attitudes toward school, according to researchers at Tufts University. Photo taken February 11, 2014. REUTERS/Mark Makela (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY EDUCATION ANIMALS) 

Kaitlyn Karkoska, Seth Wiggins, and Ethan Wiggins (L-R) read to "Stewart" and "Tyler," cats up for adoption, as part of "The Book Buddies Program" at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania February 11, 2014. Children in grades 1-8 read to the cats as a way to improve their reading skills and gain confidence. The shelter animals can be a non-evaluative presence that can provide support and comfort to participants without judging them. Students showed sustained focus and maintained a higher state of awareness, as well as improved attitudes toward school, according to researchers at Tufts University. Photo taken February 11, 2014. REUTERS/Mark Makela (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY EDUCATION ANIMALS) 

Kaitlyn Karkoska cuddles with "Brad Pitt," a black cat up for adoption, during "The Book Buddies Program" at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania February 11, 2014. Children in grades 1-8 read to the cats as a way to improve their reading skills and gain confidence. The shelter animals can be a non-evaluative presence that can provide support and comfort to participants without judging them. Students showed sustained focus and maintained a higher state of awareness, as well as improved attitudes toward school, according to researchers at Tufts University. Photo taken February 11, 2014. REUTERS/Mark Makela (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY EDUCATION ANIMALS) 

Trey Douglas (R) speaks with Cassandra Kraus as they read to cats up for adoption during "The Book Buddies Program" at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania February 11, 2014. Children in grades 1-8 read to the cats as a way to improve their reading skills and gain confidence. The shelter animals can be a non-evaluative presence that can provide support and comfort to participants without judging them. Students showed sustained focus and maintained a higher state of awareness, as well as improved attitudes toward school, according to researchers at Tufts University. Photo taken February 11, 2014. REUTERS/Mark Makela (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY EDUCATION ANIMALS) 

"Zane," a tabby cat up for adoption, listens to books read by Trey Douglas and Cassandra Kraus during "The Book Buddies Program" at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania February 11, 2014. Children in grades 1-8 read to the cats as a way to improve their reading skills and gain confidence. The shelter animals can be a non-evaluative presence that can provide support and comfort to participants without judging them. Students showed sustained focus and maintained a higher state of awareness, as well as improved attitudes toward school, according to researchers at Tufts University. Photo taken February 11, 2014. REUTERS/Mark Makela (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY EDUCATION ANIMALS) 

Volunteer Alex Keefe (background) and employee Michele Karkoska (foreground) hold cats up for adoption following an evening of "The Book Buddies Program" at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania February 11, 2014. Children in grades 1-8 read to the cats as a way to improve their reading skills and gain confidence. The shelter animals can be a non-evaluative presence that can provide support and comfort to participants without judging them. Students showed sustained focus and maintained a higher state of awareness, as well as improved attitudes toward school, according to researchers at Tufts University. Photo taken February 11, 2014. REUTERS/Mark Makela (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY EDUCATION ANIMALS) 

A plastic poster with a red carpet and photographers is arranged as a backdrop for portraits of families that adopt cats at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County as part of "The Book Buddies Program" in Birdsboro, PPennsylvania February 11, 2014. Children in grades 1-8 read to the cats as a way to improve their reading skills and gain confidence. The shelter animals can be a non-evaluative presence that can provide support and comfort to participants without judging them. Students showed sustained focus and maintained a higher state of awareness, as well as improved attitudes toward school, according to researchers at Tufts University. Photo taken February 11, 2014. REUTERS/Mark Makela (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY EDUCATION ANIMALS) 

Samuel Trego plays with "Stewart," a cat up for adoption, during "The Book Buddies Program" at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County in Birdsboro, PA on February 11, 2014. Children in grades 1-8 read to the cats as a way to improve their reading skills and gain confidence. The shelter animals can be a non-evaluative presence that can provide support and comfort to participants without judging them. Students showed sustained focus and maintained a higher state of awareness, as well as improved attitudes toward school, according to researchers at Tufts University. Photo taken February 11, 2014. REUTERS/Mark Makela (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY EDUCATION ANIMALS) 

Samuel Trego and Ben Spiri (R) read to "Stewart," a cat up for adoption, during "The Book Buddies Program" at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County in Birdsboro, PA on February 11, 2014. Children in grades 1-8 read to the cats as a way to improve their reading skills and gain confidence. The shelter animals can be a non-evaluative presence that can provide support and comfort to participants without judging them. Students showed sustained focus and maintained a higher state of awareness, as well as improved attitudes toward school, according to researchers at Tufts University. Photo taken February 11, 2014. REUTERS/Mark Makela (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY EDUCATION ANIMALS) 

Kaitlyn Karkoska reads to "Jingles" a cat up for adoption, as part of "The Book Buddies Program" at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania February 11, 2014. Children in grades 1-8 read to the cats as a way to improve their reading skills and gain confidence. The shelter animals can be a non-evaluative presence that can provide support and comfort to participants without judging them. Students showed sustained focus and maintained a higher state of awareness, as well as improved attitudes toward school, according to researchers at Tufts University. Photo taken February 11, 2014. REUTERS/Mark Makela (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY EDUCATION ANIMALS) 

Seth (L) and Ethan Wiggins read to "Stewart" and "Tyler," cats up for adoption, as part of "The Book Buddies Program" at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania February 11, 2014. Children in grades 1-8 read to the cats as a way to improve their reading skills and gain confidence. The shelter animals can be a non-evaluative presence that can provide support and comfort to participants without judging them. Students showed sustained focus and maintained a higher state of awareness, as well as improved attitudes toward school, according to researchers at Tufts University. Photo taken February 11, 2014. REUTERS/Mark Makela (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY EDUCATION ANIMALS) 

Seth Wiggins and Ethan Wiggins read to "Tyler," a cat up for adoption, as part of "The Book Buddies Program" at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania February 11, 2014. Children in grades 1-8 read to the cats as a way to improve their reading skills and gain confidence. The shelter animals can be a non-evaluative presence that can provide support and comfort to participants without judging them. Students showed sustained focus and maintained a higher state of awareness, as well as improved attitudes toward school, according to researchers at Tufts University. Photo taken February 11, 2014. REUTERS/Mark Makela (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY EDUCATION ANIMALS) 

"Jingles," a calico cat up for adoption, listens to books read by children during "The Book Buddies Program" at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania February 11, 2014. Children in grades 1-8 read to the cats as a way to improve their reading skills and gain confidence. The shelter animals can be a non-evaluative presence that can provide support and comfort to participants without judging them. Students showed sustained focus and maintained a higher state of awareness, as well as improved attitudes toward school, according to researchers at Tufts University. Photo taken February 11, 2014. REUTERS/Mark Makela (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY EDUCATION ANIMALS) 

"Zane," a tabby cat up for adoption listens to books read by Trey Douglas and Cassandra Kraus during "The Book Buddies Program" at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania February 11, 2014. Children in grades 1-8 read to the cats as a way to improve their reading skills and gain confidence. The shelter animals can be a non-evaluative presence that can provide support and comfort to participants without judging them. Students showed sustained focus and maintained a higher state of awareness, as well as improved attitudes toward school, according to researchers at Tufts University. Photo taken February 11, 2014. REUTERS/Mark Makela (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY EDUCATION ANIMALS) 

"Kochi," a cat up for adoption, remains in the enclosure following "The Book Buddies Program" at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County in Birdsboro, PA on February 11, 2014. Children in grades 1-8 read to the cats as a way to improve their reading skills and gain confidence. The shelter animals can be a non-evaluative presence that can provide support and comfort to participants without judging them. Students showed sustained focus and maintained a higher state of awareness, as well as improved attitudes toward school, according to researchers at Tufts University. Photo taken February 11, 2014. REUTERS/Mark Makela (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY EDUCATION ANIMALS) 

Ethan Wiggins cuddles "Tyler," a tabby cat up for adoption, during "The Book Buddies Program" at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania February 11, 2014. Children in grades 1-8 read to the cats as a way to improve their reading skills and gain confidence. The shelter animals can be a non-evaluative presence that can provide support and comfort to participants without judging them. Students showed sustained focus and maintained a higher state of awareness, as well as improved attitudes toward school, according to researchers at Tufts University. Photo taken February 11, 2014. REUTERS/Mark Makela (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY EDUCATION ANIMALS) 

As a promotion for cat adoption, the Animal Rescue League of Berks County allows adopted cats, such as "Brad Pitt," to be named for Academy Award nominees, as part of "The Book Buddies Program" in Birdsboro, PA on February 11, 2014. Children in grades 1-8 read to the cats as a way to improve their reading skills and gain confidence. The shelter animals can be a non-evaluative presence that can provide support and comfort to participants without judging them. Students showed sustained focus and maintained a higher state of awareness, as well as improved attitudes toward school, according to researchers at Tufts University. Photo taken February 11, 2014. REUTERS/Mark Makela (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY EDUCATION ANIMALS) 

Walk of Fame stars are arranged in honor of cats up for adoption on the floor at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County as part of "The Book Buddies Program" in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania February 11, 2014. Children in grades 1-8 read to the cats as a way to improve their reading skills and gain confidence. The shelter animals can be a non-evaluative presence that can provide support and comfort to participants without judging them. Students showed sustained focus and maintained a higher state of awareness, as well as improved attitudes toward school, according to researchers at Tufts University. Photo taken February 11, 2014. REUTERS/Mark Makela (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY EDUCATION ANIMALS) 

A mother and son walk into the Animal Rescue League of Berks County, the location of "The Book Buddies Program", in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania February 11, 2014. Children in grades 1-8 read to the cats as a way to improve their reading skills and gain confidence. The shelter animals can be a non-evaluative presence that can provide support and comfort to participants without judging them. Students showed sustained focus and maintained a higher state of awareness, as well as improved attitudes toward school, according to researchers at Tufts University. Photo taken February 11, 2014. REUTERS/Mark Makela (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY EDUCATION ANIMALS)