DOG lovers at a Dorset care home were treated to a 'special visit' from two canine guests.
Staff and residents at Trinity Manor Care Home in Sherborne were delighted with a visit from two dogs owned by Di, one of the home's carers.
Bella and Boo, both dachshund cross chihuahua breeds, were welcomed by residents, many of whom had previously been dog owners but are no longer care for a pet since moving into the home.
Di said: "It is such a treat to bring them both in to see everyone and there are so many residents here that used to have their own dogs but, due to circumstances, are no longer able to have them, so to give them a special visit with my own dogs is wonderful.
"It really makes me happy to see so many smiles on their faces. I don't know who gets more from it, them or me."
Staff at the home were thrilled to see residents enjoying themselves playing with the dogs, and hope that the time they spent with the animals will have been beneficial not just for their mental health, but for their physical health.
A spokesman for the home said: "It has been proven in recent years that animal therapy has been hugely beneficial in alleviating symptoms of depression, lowering blood pressure, helping those who are lonely and giving a real boost to those who are generally low in mood, as well has having a calming effect on those living with dementia."
Throughout the pandemic, visitors to the home were restricted so residents did not get to see many animals, which is normally a regular occurrence. Sohail Daniel, general manager of Trinity Manor, was grateful to Di for bringing in her beloved pooches to put a smile on the faces of other staff and residents.
He said: "Living in such a rural area, where many of our residents are animal lovers, to enable such visits means a lot to everyone here at Trinity Manor and we very much welcoming visiting dogs into our home.
"In the thick of lockdown, this was something that many of the residents really missed, so to have Di coming in with Bella and Boo has been much appreciated."
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