From Kay Bagon
Your article about the healing power of pets (6 November, p 30) reminded me of a visit I made to a Reform synagogue in Boston one Friday evening this summer.
I was most surprised to see that one of the congregants, sitting quietly in the front row next to some children, was a small white terrier. After the service I asked why the dog was there and was told that he was a therapy dog, helping with the children’s learning. It seems dogs have been found to help with social skills and are a comfort to children who have little self-confidence.
Trained therapy dogs have apparently been used in American schools for many years to encourage children to read aloud and also to give friendship and support to those who find it hard to join in socially.
From Geoffrey Clark
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Hal Herzog describes a study comparing pet owners and non-pet owners. I wonder where they purchased their non-pets, and are they soft and cuddly?
Douglas, Isle of Man
Radlett, Hertfordshire, UK
