Birmingham care home celebrate dog that offers comfort to residents on International Dog Day
HC-One’s Hodge Hill Grange Care Home, in Birmingham, are celebrating International Dog Day on Monday, August 26, by highlighting the benefits and joy that a special dog brings to residents and colleagues.
The HC-One care home is honouring Ruby, a nine-month-old Cockapoo, who frequently visits the home. Hodge Hill Grange honoured the special dog that always helps put a smile on residents’ faces.
Hodge Hill Grange residents and colleagues showed their appreciation for Ruby, who has been making an immense difference when visiting residents and colleagues since she was nine-weeks old.
Ruby enjoys interacting with residents, particularly those who give her attention, and she enjoys her belly rubs from residents. She brings much-needed support to the lives of residents and their loved ones every day.
The young Cockapoo makes the residents happy when she visits, and they are always asking Hodge Hill Grange colleagues where she is and if they can see her. International Dog Day was created in 2004 by pet lifestyle expert and author Colleen Paige, to bring awareness to the condition of animals as well as to encourage adoption.
The awareness day also highlights the importance of helping people take better care of their pets and make more responsible choices when it comes to getting or looking after a dog.
Having a pet dog in a care home can offer many benefits to residents, including enhancing therapeutic care and providing companionship. Residents can also improve their wellbeing by engaging with dogs and they can help facilitate better social interaction.
Danielle Evans, Wellbeing Coordinator at Hodge Hill Grange, commented on all the joy that Ruby brings to residents.
She said: “Since we have had Ruby, we have noticed the residents are taking part in a lot more activities and coming out to the lounge to be with us.
“Residents get a warm feeling and comfort from Ruby, as she brings a big smile to them. They will come and walk Ruby around the home with us and in the garden.”
Marion Watson, resident at Hodge Hill Grange, said: “I love interacting with Ruby. She provides so much affection, comfort and support to me and other residents living at Hodge Hill Grange.
“Ruby makes me feel warm inside. I love Ruby, she is so beautiful and keeps me calm. When Ruby comes and sees us in the morning, it makes my day. I love giving her a belly rub.”