The animal-loving residents of Rose Lodge care home had the opportunity to try their hand at dog grooming as part of ongoing pet therapy sessions at the home. Residents spent an afternoon with Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog Springer Spaniel Tilly and her owner, Pet Therapist Judith Boyle of the North East Pet Therapy Service, and enjoyed pampering the pooch by grooming her, as well as giving her cuddles and treats. Along with Tilly, residents also had the opportunity to spend time with, feed and groom some other cuddly creatures including rabbits, guinea pigs and a tortoise. Animal Assisted Therapy, as well as being a lot of fun, has been shown to have psychological benefits, particularly for those living with dementia. The physical contact with the animals is therapeutic and helps to reduce stress and form emotional connections.

Spending time with the PAT dogs can help to increase confidence, as well as bringing comfort and companionship to older people. Activities Coordinator at Rose Lodge Diane Tweddle arranged the visit through the Durham based North East Pet Therapy Service, an offshoot of the North East Befriending Service, a service aimed at tackling isolation and promoting independence for older people and people living with disabilities at home or in care settings. She said: “Many of our residents love animals and have had pets throughout their lives so our PAT sessions are always very popular. As a group activity it’s great at sparking conversation and our more frail or withdrawn residents get so much from spending one-to-one time with the pets. Their faces light up as soon as they come to visit.”

The pet visit brought lots of festive cheer to the residents of Rose Lodge who have also been enjoying lots of seasonal entertainment on the run up to Christmas, including a Christmas fete and trips out for Christmas parties and lunch clubs, church services, and carol concerts from Stephenson Way School and a Rainbows troupe. Anyone interested in their befriending or pet therapy sessions can Judith Boyle on 07909 006554 or visit the North East Befriending Service facebook page