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)