Residents at Cowes care home Old Charlton House celebrated National Dog Day on Wednesday (26th August), with lots of visits from lovely dogs and their kind-hearted owners.
Activities Coordinator, Debbie Webb, put out a call on social media for well behaved dogs to come and visit, and the Island Community did not disappoint. Several dogs throughout the day visited the home, with their generous owners, to enrich the lives of the residents.
There was a joyful atmosphere in the home, and the dog owners all commented about how lovely it was to see the faces of the residents light up. There were smiles all around and they thoroughly enjoyed being able to cuddle the dogs and feed them treats. Some of the dog owners messaged to say their dog had a good sleep when they got back home! All the amazing owners that came have promised to visit us again and some have already booked a time to visit!
Pet therapy is very beneficial, reducing stress and anxiety levels. Residents who have had their own dogs in the past were also reminded of adventures with them and lots of joyful reminiscing took place.
Debbie said:
“It has been a magical day watching all the joy on the residents’ faces. I am super grateful to the owners who have put themselves out to visit people that they do not know, and give up their precious time. The fact that they are willing to come again is absolutely marvellous. Residents do miss the interaction with their pets, as sadly when most enter the care system, they have to say goodbye to them, so it was lovely to see their reactions when they saw the dogs, they literally lit up”.
Dogs are the perfect medicine, great for healing people and
making people feel better.
Well done everyone