A dog's tale helping children's reading programme

Vet behavioural therapist Cath Rivron (left) and Oamaru youth librarian Fiona Kerr with Willow the dog, who is part of a new reading programme at Oamaru Library.

The programme is designed to help children aged 7 to 10 improve their confidence by practising reading to Willow, a 6-year-old greyhound, for 15 minutes a fortnight. Ms Rivron offered her dog's services to the library last year, after reading about a similar programme.

Ms Kerr said many children had difficulty reading and could become self-conscious when doing so in front of their peers.

Reading to dogs could help children relax.''

Dogs listen attentively, do not laugh, judge or criticise [and] allow children to proceed at their own pace.''