WITH regard to the "Name and address supplied" writing about dogs being allowed into hospitals.

"Name and address supplied" thinks they will be running wild in the wards, has he/she had their heads buried in the sand.

There has been many write-ups about these dogs and the good they do. These dogs are trained to sit by a person and be stroked, it gives pleasure and relaxes the patient, sometimes with better benefits than any medicine, especially for stroke victims, heart attack patients, and those suffering from depression.

I have a dog, he is coming up to 14 years old, and I lost my husband over two years ago. If I hadn't had my dog I wouldn't have gone out. If I was crying he came to me and put his head on my knee as if to say "come on Mum, I would love you to stroke me." If I was feeling low, which was often, he helped me just by me stroking him, it was very relaxing. I would also take him out.

So, "Name and address supplied" -- knocking the good work -- obviously you have never had a dog or any animal. You ask any dog lover the pleasure they get and the comfort from having and stroking a dog. As for disease, these dogs are always seen by a vet to make sure they are healthy, as I take my dog to a vet for check ups, the same as you would go to your doctor.

So, "Name and address supplied", stop moaning and knocking a good cause, get a dog and realise the love they give, they don't ask for much but give plenty.

Mrs G Brockbank

Chorley Old Road

Bolton