RESIDENTS at Priesty Fields care home in Congleton enjoyed a special visit from their favourite four-legged friend.
Sasha, a four-year-old miniature poodle and registered therapy dog with Pets As Therapy, has been brightening lives since she began visiting the home at the beginning of the year and visits the residents once a month.
She completed her PAT dog assessment in December and has quickly become a beloved part of the community and the care home.
Sasha’s journey as a therapy dog began when she was just six months old, displaying an early gift for calming and comforting people when she instinctively jumped onto the lap of a family friend who was struggling with tremors from Parkinson’s and dementia. The shaking eased as she stayed by his side.
She now visits eight care homes, two dementia support groups, a mum and toddler group, and has recently started working with children in a local school as part of the “Read to a Dog” scheme, helping pupils build their reading confidence.
Activities officer and wellbeing co ordinator Jack Morrey said: “Sasha is absolutely adored here. Her visits light up the room. There’s something truly special about the bond she forms with each person she meets, and the residents are always so happy to see her.”
Sasha’s monthly visits are now a much-anticipated event at Priesty fields care home, with residents already counting down the days until her next visit.