Some Wanaka Primary School children will be practising their reading skills on dogs today.
The ''reading education assistance dogs'' programme has been running in Auckland schools and libraries for some years, and a similar programme started at Oamaru Library in April.
The aim is to help children improve their literacy, self-confidence and self-esteem ''within a non-judgemental, relaxed and enjoyable environment''.
The programme is a joint venture between St John and the SPCA, and is part of the broader ''outreach therapy pets'' programme, which also provides assistance to residents of rest homes, hospitals and hospices.
The Wanaka sessions, being used as a pilot, began last week and are being run by Janine Taylor, of Albert Town, who was involved with outreach therapy pets for seven years while living in Keri Keri.
The Otago Daily Times had arranged to visit the school today to see the programme in action.
However, a condition set by St John and the SPCA, that the story be approved by them before publication, has meant the ODT will not attend.
