Events: Arizona - Phoenix - Scottsdale

Arizona Animal Welfare League, with support from Changing Hands Bookstore, is helping hundreds of shelter animals get through the dog days of summer with its Ruff Draft book club.

Members of the public are encouraged to stop by the main shelter at 40th and Washington streets, starting June 1, when they can borrow a copy of the Book of the Month (donated by Changing Hands) and read to dogs or cats at the shelter. At the end of the month, Ruff Draft book club members will meet to discuss the book (with other humans) and vote on the next title to read.

Studies have shown the positive effect of simple interactions, such as reading to dogs, on animals’ wellbeing. Shy dogs can gain confidence, energetic dogs learn to be calm and relaxed, and curious kittens learn to trust and play with people. It's a win-win, as book club participants also expand their reading lists and help get homeless animals adopted by interacting with them and posting them on social media.

This month, the club is reading “Where’d You Go, Bernadette” by Maria Semple.

Who: Arizona Animal Welfare League

What: Ruff Draft Book Club

When: End-of-the-month meeting is on June 27, 6 p.m.

Where: 25 N. 40th St.

How much: Free!

More details: aawl.org/ruffdraft