Jersey library therapy dog scheme 'shares the love'

Zahara, 11, said she wanted to come to the library and exchange her books at the same time as the dogs

A therapy dog scheme has been "sharing the love" at a library in St Helier, a charity has said.

Therapy Dogs Nationwide has been hosting a weekly event at Jersey Library since February.

The charity aims to help people with loneliness, anxiety and stress by sharing time with animals.

Ro Cox, from the charity, said the library was an area that allowed the dogs to "reach so many different people".

"The library's an amazing place, they do so much across the community right from little people, and also an area for the older people as well," she said.

"During the summer months you've got the students coming in studying - they get a bit stressed, so it's great to come and have a pat on the dog."

Alfie, the six-year-old Shih Tzu, says "hello to anybody", his owner said

Ms Cox said the dogs, who attend the library on a "rota" with their volunteer owners, are specially assessed to make sure they can go into a public place.

"It's just sharing the love - not all dogs like to be fussed, but those that do it's just amazing," she said.

"Even if there's only one person during one of our visits that we actually have a positive interaction with, then that's worthwhile coming for."

'Brightens everyone's mood'

Robyn Kemp, the library services officer, said the dogs were "just lovely".

She said: "It's great fun, just seeing everyone interact I think really puts a smile on everyone's faces, and it's another way of having people come into the library.

"They really just brighten everyone's mood."

Zahara, 11, said she wanted to come to the library and exchange her books at the same time as the dogs.

She said: "They're just really cute, fluffy and adorable.

"Now that I know the dogs are here, I'm probably gonna come every day."

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