By Angela Leary

Leary works as publications manager with the Hong Kong-based Animals Asia Foundation.

HONG KONG – Some teachers are working extra hard this spring, but at least they receive lots of hugs from their students. With wagging tails and warm hearts, the much-loved Professor Paws dogs are making a flurry of appearances.

As part of an English Festival staged by the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR), the Animals Asia Foundation (AAF) sent native English speakers and registered animal-therapy dogs to primary schools for special “hands on” lessons. More than 400 students at 10 schools benefit.

AAF education director Anneleise Smillie, who founded the ongoing Professor Paws programme, says that children overcome their fears of dogs and learn compassion for animals. As a bonus, they can hone their English skills while having fun.

Smillie notices quick benefits. Often the children, many from public-housing estates, have never touched a dog before.

“Some are terrified, not from bad experiences with dogs, but because they’ve had no experience with them. It’s fear of the unknown. Sometimes parents instill the fear by saying not to touch ‘dirty’ or ‘dangerous’ dogs.”

The fears fade. “Soon all the children want to pat and hug the dogs. It’s a remarkable change,” Smillie says. “With gentle encouragement, the children clamor to feed their ‘professor’ and beg to have dogs at every lesson.” Some cry when saying goodbye to their furry friends.

Overcoming fears empowers the youngsters. Teachers often say the students gain more confidence in speaking English. During such fun, they even may forget they’re using the language.

“Research shows that dogs can be instrumental to improve learning skills. Close interaction with them may increase self-confidence, strengthen social behaviors and promote compassion,” Smillie says.

Each child in the Professor Paws programme receives a T-shirt, a pet-cadet wristband and a book called The Crazy Adventures of Patch and Sam (by Phil Stride, now the AAF's education manager).

The AAF launched its Professor Paws programme in 2004. For more information: www.animalsasia.org

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Professor Paws engages in 'hands on' teaching.


A girl named Kitty (centre) learns to love dogs.