Unleashing the joy of a pet dog therapy visit

The Activities Team at Burnside Care home joined with residents to make the most of the company of Fern the cocker spaniel, and her owner Jacqueline Low from the local Therapet Society who visit once a week.

“Everyone looks forward to pets coming to the home. These are occasions full of joy and laughter, with so much conversation. Pet therapy has many proven benefits and our animal friends always energise our residents.” says Ellen Frances, Activities coordinator.

The home, which provides nursing care for older people and those living with dementia, regularly brings animals to visit the home as part of its Activities Programme – and it’s not only dogs. A beautiful 27-year-old Welsh section B pony called Chester trots along once a month too.

Marion Gordon, the Home Manager, says: “A big cheer always goes up here at Burnside when the residents find out that our therapy dog Fern is coming along. The interaction between the residents and the visiting pets is truly heart-warming. Residents benefit emotionally and physically, and it produces a real community spirit. What’s more, we can see very clearly how much enrichment it brings to them.”

Burnside Care Home in Laurencekirk offers, nursing, and dementia care to people who can no longer live independently. The care home has particular expertise in assisting residents with specific medical needs, with its team of highly skilled registered nurses.