Meet Hetty the retired Greyhound who is helping children learn to read

For a group of little ones in Norwich, it’s a reality as Hetty the retired Greyhound is helping them learn to read.
Nine-year-old Hetty was forced to give up racing after fracturing her leg.
She went to the Yarmouth Greyhound Homefinders charity and won the heart of shelter volunteer David Jones.
The retired headteacher was approached by Hillside Avenue Primary and Nursery School, near Norwich, about taking Hetty into class. They thought she’d be ideal to hear the reception children read – and since then she’s made dozens of new friends.

But sadly she fractured her leg while running round the stadium one day when she wasn’t actually competing.
Her injury meant she could no longer race competitively and for that reason her owner was unable to keep her.
It looks like Hetty has landed on her paws now though with a loving owner and lots of adoring friends.
Proud David said he loves seeing her around the youngsters.
“I trust Hetty implicitly,” he said. “We’ve only been going into the school for two terms but the parents absolutely love what is going on too.
“The children are so happy to see her and talk about her all the time.”

Two little boys aged four and five asked their mums if they could do the washing up and vacuuming to raise money for the charity.
David said: “They collected £5 and presented it to Hetty which was lovely.
“There are also those children who are a little wary of dogs.
“Meeting Hetty and having her in school has helped them overcome their fears, which is great to see.
“I never thought I would go back into schools either, but seeing the children and their reaction is wonderful, they absolutely love having Hetty in.”
Hetty’s story is a guest post by freelance journalist Kate Chapman, who is based in Lincolnshire.
She loves writing about animals and agriculture and you can see her work on her website www.kate-chapman.co.uk
Does your dog have an interesting role like Hetty? I’d love to hear about it, so click here to contact me or leave a comment below.