The program pairs companion dogs with kids who may be uncomfortable reading aloud. The dogs provide their rapt attention and the children can read aloud without fear of criticism or interruption.
Could you fabricate a sweeter story?
On a side dog note, Ben and I have been thinking about adopting a rescue Westie. Unfortunately, if we're planning to have children in the next fifteen years, a Westie seems like the wrong sort of dog:
Westies will NOT TOLERATE even unintended mistreatment from a child. They will not put up with typical child handling such as pulling of ears or tails nor will they tolerate taking or "sharing" of the dog's bones, food and toys. They are also very assertive and demanding and can jump on small children.
Despite their cute little faces, I could easily picture a Westie pouncing on a small child. They're ratters -- what do you expect?
Perhaps we'll have to look past our favorite breed and adopt a Golden Retriever, which, I've heard, make the perfect nannies.
Link via spinning-jennie.
