"Dog Reading Room." Dog librarians help Kamchatka children with mental disabilities cope with the stress and anxiety of reading.

In the Kamchatka Children's Regional Library in the city Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky They opened the inclusive creative laboratory "Klyuch" (Key). It offers art therapy sessions and workshops for children with ASD and other mental disabilities. It also houses a "Dog Reading Room."

Library dogs help children adapt to the process of reading in a comfortable environment—on a soft ottoman or sofa, cuddling the animal and reading aloud to it.

"Reading next to a dog creates a feeling of affection, relaxation, and warmth in a child, and all of their internal resources are activated."— explains Irina Ivleva, chief librarian of the social work sector. 

Don't worry, the dogs are never left alone with the children—an animal trainer is always nearby and ensures that the reading process is safe for both the little visitors and the dogs.

Earlier, NeMoskva reported on Lukeria Petruneva in the Komi — a dog who works at the local library and helps children develop a love of books. This includes reading aloud on a comfortable couch and cuddling.

Photo: official website of Kamchatka Krai