This rescue dog wears his own school uniform and backpack to read with pupils

Is there anything more adorable than a gorgeous dog sporting a school uniform and backpack? 

Rescue dog Russell is helping primary school pupils to learn how to read, and he is fitting in quite well.

The 13-year-old hound visits Coalsnaughton Primary School, Alloa, Clackmannanshire every Friday afternoon, to the school children's delight. 

The elderly animal is the pet of school worker Kelsie McAlpine, whose idea it was to bring him in to meet the kids. 

Kelsie realised that having animals and children working other has many benefits and she has said that she has seen the pupils’ confidence soar since Russell started visiting them. 

Russell heads to class, clad in a mini-uniform matching the children’s, and a backpack with a packet of dog food and his favourite treat, Gravy Bones. 

Kelsie said, ''a lot of parents ask about when he is coming in. Some of the kids aren't that confident and I have seen in reading groups where there are four children and they have all been really quiet, that you can hear them getting louder as they read.''

She continued, ''dogs do not judge, they just listen.''

The collie-Alsatian cross also takes part in the ‘daily mile’ with the children each day. 

Headteacher Colleen ClarkBurns believes that Russell’s visits teach the students ''compassion and responsibility.''

She said that ''we have a couple of really shy kids and try to use Russell to build their social skills, so they can get an audience with him. The staff members all love him.''

What a great idea and such a confidence boost for the kids.