March 5th was World Book Day and volunteers and staff at Richmond Library turned out to welcome Angus, a therapy dog and his owners, Susan and Pete. Angus is a thirteen year old Golden Retriever who had his training in America. He and Susan have come to work at Richmond library whilst they are living in the town. Angus has worked with university students and children of all ages – he is particularly good at building confidence with boys aged six to ten. He will be at the library to encourage and support reluctant or hesitant readers of all ages. “Angus is non-judgemental,” says Susan. “He doesn’t mind if you mispronounce a word or go slowly, he just wants you to read to him”. Volunteers hope that Angus will attract and support new readers and those coming back to the pleasures of reading, in this Year of Reading. A series of one to one therapy sessions can be booked through the library by parents for their children or adults who want some support to build their reading skills.
Susan and Pete believe that many dogs, often those which are older and are calm and relaxed around new people, could train as therapy dogs in England. They have an enormously positive impact on people, not just through supporting reading, but also by visiting care homes, hospitals and schools where they provide emotional support, relieve stress, improve confidence and communication, and support well being
Richmond Library can be contacted on 01609 534580 to book therapy sessions.