Very good dog reads with pupils and has his own school uniform and backpack

Russell the Dog, 13, listening to school children read at Coalsnaughton Primary School. Russell visits the children of Coalsnaughton Primary School in Alloa, Clackmannanshire every Friday to listen to the children read and take part in the ?daily mile? walk. October 5 2018.See story SWSCdog.This adorable pooch is all ears as he helps primary school pupils learn to read - and even has his own school uniform and backpack. Rescue dog Russell, aged 13, is always met with an adoring audience when he visits Coalsnaughton Primary School, Alloa, Clackmannanshire on a Friday afternoon. The elderly dog is the family pet of school worker Kelsie McAlpine, 25, who came up with the idea of bringing him in to meet the children. Kelsie researched the benefits of children having contact with animals, and said she has seen pupils? confidence soar since Russell first visited the classroom in February.
Russell the Dog, 13, listening to school children read at Coalsnaughton Primary School (Picture: Katielee Arrowsmith SWNS.com)

An adorable dog loves helping primary school pupils to read, and even has his own school uniform and backpack.

Rescue dog Russell, aged 13, visits Coalsnaughton Primary School, Alloa, Clackmannanshire every Friday afternoon.

The elderly dog is the family pet of school worker Kelsie McAlpine, 25, who came up with the idea of bringing him in to meet the children.

Kelsie researched the benefits of children having contact with animals, and said she has seen pupils’ confidence soar since Russell first visited the classroom in February.

There are only 64 pupils at the school, and they all adore Russell.

Russell the Dog, 13, with school children at Coalsnaughton Primary School. Russell visits the children of Coalsnaughton Primary School in Alloa, Clackmannanshire every Friday to listen to the children read and take part in the ?daily mile? walk. October 5 2018.See story SWSCdog.This adorable pooch is all ears as he helps primary school pupils learn to read - and even has his own school uniform and backpack. Rescue dog Russell, aged 13, is always met with an adoring audience when he visits Coalsnaughton Primary School, Alloa, Clackmannanshire on a Friday afternoon. The elderly dog is the family pet of school worker Kelsie McAlpine, 25, who came up with the idea of bringing him in to meet the children. Kelsie researched the benefits of children having contact with animals, and said she has seen pupils? confidence soar since Russell first visited the classroom in February.
(Picture: Katielee Arrowsmith SWNS.com)

When Russell attends class, he gets to wear a teeny uniform matching the children’s, and a backpack which contains a packet of dog food and Gravy Bones – his favourite treat.

Kelsie, who works on the early interventions team, said: ‘A lot of parents ask about when he is coming in.

‘Some of the kids aren’t that confident and I have seen in reading groups where there are four children and they have all been really quiet, that you can hear them getting louder as they read.

‘Dogs do not judge, they just listen.

‘You can see it from the children’s faces.’

Russell, a collie-Alsatian cross, also takes part in the ‘daily mile’ walk which the children go on each day.

Russell the Dog, 13, listening to school children read at Coalsnaughton Primary School. Russell visits the children of Coalsnaughton Primary School in Alloa, Clackmannanshire every Friday to listen to the children read and take part in the ?daily mile? walk. October 5 2018.See story SWSCdog.This adorable pooch is all ears as he helps primary school pupils learn to read - and even has his own school uniform and backpack. Rescue dog Russell, aged 13, is always met with an adoring audience when he visits Coalsnaughton Primary School, Alloa, Clackmannanshire on a Friday afternoon. The elderly dog is the family pet of school worker Kelsie McAlpine, 25, who came up with the idea of bringing him in to meet the children. Kelsie researched the benefits of children having contact with animals, and said she has seen pupils? confidence soar since Russell first visited the classroom in February.
(Picture: Katielee Arrowsmith SWNS.com)

His proud owner said: ‘Somebody in the class gets nominated by the teacher for the responsibility of having his lead.

‘The children are so empathetic and so loving.

‘They ask me “how many sleeps until Russell comes?”.’

When he visits the classrooms, Russell is greeted with applause by the pupils, but often lies down to sleep on the floor.

Kelsie added: ‘The morale is up a wee bit, the whole atmosphere just lifts when Russell is in the room.’

Russell the Dog, 13. Russell visits the children of Coalsnaughton Primary School in Alloa, Clackmannanshire every Friday to listen to the children read and take part in the ???daily mile??? walk. October 5 2018.See story SWSCdog.This adorable pooch is all ears as he helps primary school pupils learn to read - and even has his own school uniform and backpack. Rescue dog Russell, aged 13, is always met with an adoring audience when he visits Coalsnaughton Primary School, Alloa, Clackmannanshire on a Friday afternoon. The elderly dog is the family pet of school worker Kelsie McAlpine, 25, who came up with the idea of bringing him in to meet the children. Kelsie researched the benefits of children having contact with animals, and said she has seen pupils??? confidence soar since Russell first visited the classroom in February.
(Picture: Katielee Arrowsmith SWNS.com)

For children who do not have pets at home, Russell’s visits provide a chance for them to take responsibility for caring for a dog.

Headteacher Colleen ClarkBurns is convinced that Russell’s visits teach pupils ‘compassion and responsibility’ – as well as boosting their confidence.

She said: ‘We have a couple of really shy kids, and try to use Russell to build their social skills, so they can get an audience with him.

‘The staff members all love him.’

The idea has already caught the attention of other schools in the area.

Kelsie added: ‘I’m really passionate about doing it, I love animals and I love my job.’