The residents and care team at New Copford Place, the Colchester-based residential care home run by charity, Friends of the Elderly, are ‘paw-marking’ this year’s National Pet Month, talking about their regular visits from three ‘fur-bulous’ Essex Therapy Dogs – Honey, Ruby and Hector.
Honey, Ruby and Hector – two Poodles and a Cockapoo – have been visiting the residents at the care home since June 2024 and are now ‘fur-m’ favourites and members of the New Copford Place family. “The residents adore animals, especially dogs, so to have the regular visits from the three Essex Therapy Dogs as a firm fixture on our varied activities calendar is ‘paw-fect’,” said Chelsey Leather, the Activities Coordinator at the care home.
“The award-winning Essex Therapy Dogs is a volunteer organisation, and all the dogs have been carefully assessed as therapy dogs and it’s great to see how they interact with the residents; they really do create magical moments during each visit.”
“Honey, who is 11-years-old, Ruby who’s three-years-old and Hector who is seven-years-old really look forward to their monthly visits,” added Chelsey. “They are such people-pleasing pooches and love seeing all their care home friends.”
The trio have definite routine when they arrive at New Copford Place. “Before they come into the care home, Honey, Ruby and Hector will go for a short walk around the grounds. Then they like to make their entrance.”
“First on their itinerary is to pop into each of the residents’ bedrooms to say ‘Hello’ where they get plenty of fussing and cuddles, and they know that some residents will sneak a treat to them as well, they never miss a trick. It’s then off to spend time with the other residents in the communal lounges,” said Daniel Sabau, the Registered Manager at New Copford Place.
“Honey, Ruby and Hector make sure they spend time with all the residents and give them lots of canine attention. It’s really rewarding to chat to the residents as they talk about the dogs they have owned over the years, funny stories about chasing cats, digging for bones and barking at Postmen, there are new ‘tails’ each month.”
“Lots of the residents love the dogs and are ‘mutts about them,” continued Chelsey. “However, one resident in ‘paw-ticular’, Sylvia Edwards, is their biggest fan as she always has the biggest smiles when she sees them.”
“I look forward to seeing the Essex Therapy Dogs every month,” said Sylvia. “They always seem so happy to see us, and we are happy to see them. Truth be told, I could cuddle them all day and after they leave, I have a smile on my face for the rest of the day.”
“Interacting with Honey, Ruby and Hector gives the residents a raft of benefits, both physically and emotionally,” added Daniel. “Playing, cuddling and fussing the dogs can reduce blood pressure, lower stress levels, boost mental stimulation, increase mobility and it also encourages physical movement. In addition, the visits are especially beneficial to those who are living with dementia as the sessions can trigger positive memories.”
“Honey, Ruby and Hector’s visits definitely have a ‘paw-sitive’ and comforting effect on the residents,” continued Chelsey. “Not only do they inspire conversations and act as a wonderful reminiscing exercise, but they also support the residents’ overall wellbeing as they release the ‘feel good’ hormones such as Oxytocin and Dopamine.”
“The residents love to share their fond memories of their own dogs,” added Chelsey. “Pat Linscott, who has been a resident at New Copford Place since January 2023, looks forward to seeing the dogs and is always ready and waiting for their arrival.”
“I really enjoy seeing the dogs, they always make me smile and I always remark how soft they are when I give them cuddles,” said Pat.
“The cheeky trio love to have a tasty biscuit whilst they are visiting the residents but cuddles and fussing are definitely their favourite treats, and the residents are more than happy to oblige,” concluded Chelsey.
