Isla the border collie rescue dog has become a firm favourite with the residents of a dementia care home in Morpeth.
Isla has been visiting the Riverside House care home in the Northumberland town every Friday thanks to a chance meeting between her owner Sally Vaughan and the home's activity's co-ordinator Richard Dobinson. Sally - a scout leader in the town works with the charity Pets as Therapy, and Isla is an accredited therapy dog.
Richard explained that the residents at the home, in Low Stanners, found Isla's visits a key part of their week. He said: "It's very important for our residents as it gives them something to look forward to. It stimulates their minds and takes them back not just to having their own dog at home but also back to their childhood."
The therapy sessions aim to improve the wellbeing and health of residents - including by helping them to bring back forgotten memories.
One resident, Millie, said she had had 13 dogs over her life and really enjoyed tickling Isla's ears. Another said: "Seeing Isla brightens up my day and brings back happy memories of playing with pets throughout my life, she gives the best cuddles!"
Isla's owner Sally explained she enjoys strolling around the common areas of the home, chasing after soft balls thrown by residents, being stroked, and wagging her tail. Pet as Therapy is a charity that's been going since 1983 and is entirely volunteer-run.
Richard added “Pet therapy is known to help with mental stimulation and encourages interaction and social contact and it can even help reduce blood pressure.
"These visits bring a real smile to the faces of our residents and bring back happy memories of times past. It is only one of the many activities we put on, which include performances from an Elvis tribute and visits from local nursery children."
Sally added: "Studies have shown that interacting with a pet can improve a person’s mental health and overall wellbeing. Isla doesn’t bark and prefers to be in a quiet environment which makes Riverside House the ideal place for her to visit. She loves being spoiled by the residents and her tail never stops wagging!"
Julie Roper, runs the care home and said Isla brought "amazing happiness" to residents. She added: "Tasks can be forgotten, dates become hard to remember but the feeling of love and happiness never goes away."
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