Today Colleagues from Ashgrove care home, Dudley, had the pleasure of welcoming three new Residents; two puppies and a cat.
Many of HC-One care homes now have Residential animals as they can have many benefits for the Residents including memory care, engagement and wellbeing.
One of the new puppies is a West Highland White Terrie (Westie) who was christened ‘Raffles’ by Jean who resides in the nursing wing. She said, “He can live in my room anytime if he wants to.”
Meanwhile over at the Coppice, Harmony Wing, the new Golden Labrador puppy and the cat were stealing everyone’s hearts. Irene, who is a Resident on Harmony, claimed the cat as hers and fellow Residents Sheila and Marion took turns in stroking the dog.
Another Resident, Shirley, commented “The puppy is so funny and soft.”
Of course, the next big topic will be the names of the Harmony animals. So far, the suggestions have been Shandy, Judy, Benjy and Rex for the dog. Cat names have included Tiddles, Queenie, Smokey and Sheba. Many other names have been suggested as well. So, Colleagues decided that on Monday they will take a fair vote.
Julie R, who works on the admin team was very reluctant to give the cat up as she instantly fell under it’s spell as was Irene who said, “How lovely to have a cat again.”
Julie Jones, Home Manager, remarked how beautiful they were and said, “These pets are so lovely and do not need walking, feeding or cleaning up after. Ideal. The stories that Residents told about pets of their youth and families was a joy to hear and see. Everyone fell in love with the new pets.”