The Ultimate Teacher's Pet

An English school has enlisted a dog as its newest classroom assistant. As the Daily Mail reports today Betty, a nine-month-old Springer Spaniel sits in on a series of classes at Rough Hay Primary School, in Wednesbury in the West Midlands. Teachers there reckon she improves life at the school in a number of ways - from making the children more considerate and communicative to helping the school's autistic pupils. "We have four autistic children at the school and she's especially helpful to them," said Mark Klekot, the headmaster. "They find it easier sometimes to deal with teachers through Betty."
June McNicholas, a psychologist in animal and human health, told the Mail the dog was an excellent idea. "Children often find them (dogs) easier to relate to - the world of grown-ups is often quite confusing. They know that animals will not judge them, will not 'break friends' with them, and will not tell tales."