ONCE again in the BEN is a letter against the Pat Dog Programme for patients in hospital. Does John S L Evans think they grab any dog off the streets to let patients stroke? Far from the truth -- has he not seen the adverts on TV for the Pat Dogs?

These dogs are especially selected and trained to either sit on a patient's knee, or sit at the side of a patient so as to be stroked. People such as John S L Evans have no idea what goes on in the world.

These people have never had a pet, never experienced the pleasure a pet can bring.

They relieve stress and are also very beneficial to stroke victims, heart attack patients -- sometimes patting a dog can be more helpful than any medicine to get the patient on the road to recovery.

My dog has helped me more than once since the death of my husband, when I have been at my lowest. Just by being there, asking for affection, he has brought me out of depression. Get a life, Mr Evans, and find out what Pat Dogs can do before shouting your mouth off.

Mrs G Brockbank

Chorley Old Road, Bolton