AFTER reading the article in the BEN on November 17, and seeing the photograph of the couple with their dog Sophie, I thought the therapeutic experiment was brilliant -- I hope it works out.

I also read one reply in the BEN on Thursday, November 22, by someone who strongly objected to the experiment and condemned it as out of hand.

As they left no name in the paper, does he or she not realise that the dog would only be allowed in a designated area where no harm, but only therapeutic help, would be incurred. Does he or she think that any doctor or nurse would allow any animal, bird, reptile, or any creature in that would be a health risk? Also, if you are so concerned, think about the hundreds of visitors who walk through the wards of chronically ill patients daily. Some of the people have travelled on buses where people have coughed, sneezed and breathed germs all over them. They also tramp through wards in outdoor shoes and sit on patients' beds. I wonder what they've brought in? Do you think we should ban them too? This would really help patients to get better.

Obviously, the letter writer is not an animal lover, but please reflect on this. Some of the patients are elderly and maybe all they have left in the world is their pet. It's their friend and companion and all they have to come home to and maybe the only thing that makes life bearable. Does this so called writer begrudge them this small comfort? Or, are they like a lot of people these days who are only concerned for themselves and to hell with the rest?

Congratulations to the doctors and nurses and all staff concerned. I've been in your hospital and your treatment was great. I hope your experiment works. Every little kindness helps.

S Kirkham

Queensgate, Bolton PET TONIC: Flashback to our picture of Micola and Agnes Ilchyszyn and their dog Sophie