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Wallacewell Primary School’s Reading with Dogs Programme Proves Successful
Since August 2017 Wallacewell Primary School has been running the Reading with Dogs programme where each Wednesday selected pupils work with a volunteer from the Canine Concern Scotland Trust and choose a book to read to the ‘therapet’ dog, Willow. The aim is that the dog engages children and builds their confidence in reading by listening without judgement, enabling them to relax and enjoy their reading experiences.
The Canine Concern Scotland Trust was formed in 1988 to promote responsible dog ownership in Scotland through providing an educational service and visiting schools to reach future dog owners, and to encourage research into the therapeutic value of dogs to patients or others isolated from normal association with pets.
Willow, the therapet that visits Wallacewell, accompanied by her handler James MacDonald, has proved extremely popular with the pupils, and with both families and teachers noting that the children seem more confident and positive towards reading, the programme has become an ongoing success.
For more information on the Canine Concern Scotland Trust, visit www.canineconcernscotland.org.uk.