St Ives care home residents enjoy therapy dog visits

Residents at a care home in St Ives are paws-itively thrilled after regular visits from two four-legged friends.

Care UK’s Field Lodge, on London Road, has seen plenty of wagging tails and smiling faces as residents have spent time with two therapy dogs.

Rosie and Ruby, both six-year-old cockapoos, visit the home every week as part of the Pets As Therapy scheme. Rosie has been lapping up attention from residents for the past year with owner Sarah, while Ruby and owner Gin have been visiting for two years.

Sarah said: “Field Lodge is part of our local community, so we usually walk there together – she knows exactly where she’s going and guides me right to the front door.

“She’s very comfortable during our visits, and the team always gives us both such a warm welcome. Rosie seems to know when to be calm and gentle, and she’ll often snuggle up beside residents.”

Gin added: “Every time I visit Field Lodge I’m reminded of the incredible impact Ruby has on everyone around her. The residents just light up with smiles the moment she appears.”

The animal therapy sessions are designed to provide residents with companionship and an opportunity to reminisce about pets they have owned throughout their lives.

Resident Glynis Rignall, 76, said: “I absolutely love the dogs. They’re beautiful and they make my day when they come in.”

Eric Pinion, 92, added: “I’ve always had dogs and they remind me of them every time they visit, which is comforting.”

Pets As Therapy is a charity which brings therapeutic pet visits to people in settings such as hospitals, care homes, schools, hospices and community groups. Their volunteers and temperament assessed dogs and cats provide companionship and emotional support, helping to reduce loneliness, boost confidence and create what they call “moments of magic” for those who need it most.

Linda Martinez, Home Manager at Field Lodge, said: “We’re always looking for meaningful ways to support residents’ wellbeing, and these visits have become a much-loved part of life here.

“Animals can have a remarkable effect on wellbeing, particularly for older people and those living with dementia. The visits encourage conversation, spark happy memories and always bring plenty of smiles.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to Sarah, Gin, Rosie and Ruby for the happiness they bring to our residents each week.”

Field Lodge is a modern, purpose-built home providing full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, the home has a choice of lounges and dining rooms as well as its own cinema, pub and hair and beauty salon.