"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)