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ELON — Sherlock McBiskit has worked to improve himself.

The West Highland white terrier used to jump on visitors and shred stuffed animals. He yapped incessantly at other dogs and destroyed furniture.

But on Thursday at Elon Elementary School, the 9-year-old canine relaxed on owner Pauli Reading’s lap as she explained how the dog learned to be respectful.

The Charlotte woman visits elementary schools with Sherlock to teach children about character education.

She dresses Sherlock in a red and green plaid kilt, in keeping with his breed’s Scottish heritage.

Kindergartners and first-grade students listened to how Sherlock learned to stop barking at and “teasing” other animals.

“If you say nice things to people and treat them like they’re important, what do you think he got?” Reading asked.

“Friends,” the kids answered together.

Reading taught the children to respect and be kind to themselves, as well. Also, each student got to take a small “gratitude rock” from a bucket to keep as a reminder.

“If you’re thankful for things, you’re more likely to treat them with respect,” Reading said, the students chiming in on the last word.
Reading also read from a book about Sherlock, complete with her own photographs, that she wrote about the dog.

“I like the rhymes, and I think it really reminds me how to do stuff and not be mean to others,” said Bethany Hardaway, 6.

At the end, the students filed past Sherlock to give him a pat or scratch on the head.

Reading has been teaching character education at schools since 2002. Sherlock is just one dog who helps her. She has 12 dogs who are part of her business, Sherlock McBiskit and Friends Co.

For information, visit www.sherlockmcbiskit.com.

Contact Jamie Kennedy Jones at 449-4610 or jamie.kennedy@news-record.com