Stratford-upon-Avon care home enjoys a paw-fect afternoon of animal therapy

A care home in Stratford-upon-Avon welcomed a furry friend for an afternoon of animal therapy.

Jasper the labradoodle was met with plenty of fuss and cuddles when he walked into Care UK’s Ambleside, on Evesham Road.

On the day, Jasper and his owner Beryl, a former resident’s daughter, also made sure to pop into residents’ individual rooms so everyone could have one-on-one time with him. 

Ambleside resident Christine Barket said: “It is always lovely to see Jasper, he is such a beautiful dog.  If I am feeling a bit down he always cheers me up.”

The weekly visits started 6 years ago, when Jasper was only three months old, inspired by conversations with residents who had pets in their younger years and missed having a dog. 

Another resident, Daphne Beadle, who used to own a guide dog, said: “I look forward to seeing Jasper as it brings back memories of my own dog, it makes me feel happy and he is such a friendly dog.”

Stephanie Obeng, Deputy Manager at Ambleside, said: “We always have such a fun time when Jasper visits the home – his visits are a real highlight. 

“Animal therapy is an essential part of care here at Ambleside. Being near animals has so many benefits, both for residents who owned dogs previously and those living with dementia. Jasper’s visit have taken many people right down memory lane, and it’s been heartwarming to hear dog stories from all over. 

“We’d like to say a big thank you to Beryl for introducing Jasper to the home; we can’t wait for the next visit!”

Ambleside is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable its residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema, café and hair salon, and there is plenty of space, both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation.