Turns out the dogs like to have a story read to them. Especially when they are lonely and frightened waiting in a shelter for their “furever home.” 

Thankfully, Nehemiah Turner, 11, is ready to help, and he is deservedly being being recognized for reading more than 100 hours to shelter animals.

"I hope that they get adopted, and I hope I achieved my goal too," Nehemiah said.

The Jacksonville Humane Society in Jacksonville, Florida, said Nehemiah is one of over 2,000 children who participate in the nonprofit's "Pawsitive Reading" program.

Nehemiah said he still remembers the first dog he read to at the humane society.

"I went up there with my book, and I sat down with this dog named Auggie. I started to read to him, and after we had to leave, I started to cry, because I didn't want to leave the humane society," the 11-year-old said. 

In June, Nehemiah became the humane society's first volunteer to reach the 100-hour milestone, and the Jacksonville Humane Society presented him with a certificate to show its appreciation for his efforts.

"It makes me feel great -- proud and great," Nehemiah said after receiving the honor.