Uni-Charm Corporation (President and Representative Executive Officer: Takahara Yoshihisa) supports the 'Reading Dog Activities*1', which is one of the 'human-animal interaction activities' promoted by the Public Interest Incorporated Association Japan Animal Hospital Association (hereinafter referred to as JAHA*2), contributing to children's growth through reading. This initiative was recently conducted at the Mitaka Library in Mitaka City, Tokyo, and we wish to announce this.

*1 An activity where children read aloud to dogs that act as therapy dogs, learning how to interact correctly with dogs while becoming familiar with books.

*2 An abbreviation for Japanese Animal Hospital Association.

[Scenes from the children's 'Reading Dog Activities']

Video URL:channel/UCYVOf4PSpnM5gBRb7Hm1SFg

Background of supporting the 'Reading Dog Activities'

Our company aims to achieve a 'symbiotic society' where dogs and cats can live a happy life not only with their families but also in harmony with society through our pet care business. As part of such business activities, we promote support for rescue dog and cat activities and the 'GO WITH Wanko Project,' which increases places and times where people can go out safely with their dogs.

Therefore, we have determined that the 'Reading Dog Activities,' which JAHA develops to familiarize children with reading while interacting with dogs, has a high affinity with our pet care business, and we have decided to provide support.

Overview of the Activities

Target: Pairs of children and dogs deemed suitable as reading dogs.

Format: Conducted in a safe environment where children can read aloud to reading dogs without worrying about others' evaluations or interference.

Things to look forward to:

- Learning about the warmth of dogs and the value of life through interaction.

- The presence of dogs quietly accompanying the reading creates a sense of security for children.

- Conducting storytelling in a reassuring environment leads to improved self-esteem.

- It provides opportunities to feel the charm of reading.

Voices of participating children

・I felt happy because the dog listened so attentively, and I felt like I was reading well.

・Being with the dog was calming, and I think I will start to like reading. The dog was cute, and I was glad I could come.

I was happy to be able to have an interest in both reading and dogs and to learn various things.

The schedule for the upcoming 'Human and Animal Interaction Activities' (Volunteer Training Session) organized by JAHA.

Date and Time: January 30, 2025 (Thursday) from 14:00 to 16:00 - In-person format.

February 25 (Tuesday) from 14:00 to 16:00 - Online format.

March 11 (Tuesday) from 14:00 to 16:00 - In-person format.

Details:

Related sites

'Uni-Charm Pet' website.

Japan Animal Hospital Association

About Animal Therapy Activities

Contributing to the "17 Sustainable Development Goals" through support of the "Reading Dog Activities."

This activity is believed to contribute to the following among the 17 goals set by the "Sustainable Development Goals" (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015.

3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

We will continue to aim to contribute to the achievement of SDGs by solving environmental issues and social issues through business activities such as providing products and services.

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