Jacksonville boy makes history reading more than 100 hours to shelter animals

11-year-old Nehemiah Turner made a national impact by reading over 100 hours to shelter animals, earning City Council recognition and inspiring other children.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — An 11-year-old Jacksonville boy is making a difference for shelter animals one book at a time, earning recognition from City Council and attracting attention from people across the country.

Nehemiah Turner is the first child in the Jacksonville Humane Society’s Pawsitive Reading program to log more than 100 hours reading to shelter animals. For the past two years, he has visited the shelter to read to dogs and help them feel more comfortable while they wait for their forever homes.

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“Every day when I come here, it makes me feel good,” Nehemiah said.

The Pawsitive Reading program gives children an opportunity to practice their reading skills while providing companionship to animals at the shelter.

“I just read to them and try to make them feel calm so they won’t bark at other dogs,” he said.

Lindsay Layendecker, chief development officer at the Jacksonville Humane Society, said the time children spend reading can make a meaningful difference in the animals’ well-being.

The attention Nehemiah has received for his volunteer work has also helped bring more people to the shelter, according to the Humane Society, contributing to more animal adoptions.

“We’re just big fans of Nehemiah around here,” Layendecker said.

Nehemiah’s efforts have earned him recognition locally and nationally. He has received books and school supplies and was invited to a Jacksonville Jaguars practice, where he met some of his favorite players, including Travis Hunter and Trevor Lawrence.

On Tuesday, Jacksonville City Council honored Nehemiah for his volunteer service and compassion for animals, recognizing the impact young people can have in their communities.

Council Member Chris Miller said Nehemiah’s example could inspire other children to get involved.

“There are a lot of young boys and girls who are watching you. They’re watching what you’re doing. They’re watching the difference you make for these dogs and cats,” Miller said.

Despite reaching the 100-hour milestone, Nehemiah said he has no plans to stop. He hopes to reach 250 hours and eventually 500.

He also has a message for other children who want to make a difference.

“I can tell them, get educated and stay educated. If you come here, just keep reading and don’t stop,” Nehemiah said.

The Jacksonville Humane Society’s Pawsitive Reading program is open to children of all ages. Families interested in participating can find more information on the Jacksonville Humane Society website under the education tab.