There’s nothing more adorable than seeing a child enjoy the company of a dog.

It’s wonderful to see how kids love to be around pups and watching the canines soak it all in or display ironclad patience as they are petted, poked and prodded.

But what’s even better than just seeing kids and dogs form a friendship is to watch children gain skills and confidence through that bond.

That’s exactly what happens with Suffolk Humane Society’s Books and Reading for Kids in Suffolk, or BARKS, program.

Through the program, which started two years ago, children who have trouble reading are paired with therapy dogs and are invited to read to the pups in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

The dogs sit quietly and patiently, while the students can practice reading without having to worry about the listener interjecting to pronounce the words for them.

BARKS is a brilliant idea for students, because most dogs aren’t just friendly and loveable, they are non-critical and committed to people, especially therapy dogs.

Therapy dogs do their jobs to make people feel better, whether it’s for an emergency room patient dealing with pain, a nursing home resident coping with loneliness or a student struggling with reading.

The dogs also serve as a way to get the kids excited about reading.

At Creekside Elementary School, Suffolk Humane volunteers and dogs visited the library this week to introduce the BARKS program, which will be implemented at the school next Friday.

The children in each class knew there was going to be a furry friend visiting, but when each student turned the corner and saw the pup waiting for them, smiles plastered their faces and whispers sprinkled the room.

All of the students were anxious to pet the dog, and many of them hurried to get books to read to him.

The dog might not know it, but by just being there, he is getting children excited about books, because they just want to spend time with him.

But it isn’t just the kids who benefit from the program.

BARKS also serves as a way for therapy dogs to have a “job” that challenges them and gives them a task to keep their minds occupied.

For many breeds of dogs, working is critical to their well being, because it uses their brains and gives them a purpose.

Additionally, BARKS helps Suffolk Humane teach children about the importance of being respectful and humane to all living things.

This, in turn, can create more aware citizens to respect and become advocates for animals.

BARKS is a wonderful program that Suffolk parents and students are lucky to have. It doesn’t cost a thing and offers enrichment for children and pets.

The program is held Wednesday or Thursday nights once a month at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on North Main Street from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

For more information, visit www.suffolkhumanesociety.com/programs.shtml.