Wilton Care Home welcomes 'Pets as Therapy' dog Henry

Henry the Clumber Spaniel has just achieved his Pets as Therapy status (PAT) and will be a regular visitor to Wilton Place Care Home going forward giving residents the chance to fuss and stroke him.

Henry the Spaniel visits Wilton Care Home (Image: Wilton Care Home)

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General Manager for Wilton Place, Antoinette Roberts, said:”Henry was certainly a hit with John and Iris today. He was so calm and well behaved; he will always receive a warm welcome. Huge thanks to Andrew for taking the time to come and see us.”

Henry’s owner Andrew Hesketh lives locally and plans to visit the care home with Henry each week so that Henry can be spoiled with a bowl of water and some treats.

Andrew can also indulge in coffee and cake.

Home admissions advisor, Carol Brewster said: "It is just so important for people to have that sort of contact and the stroking motion. This is for people generally not just for those with dementia. You have to have the right dog of course, and Henry passed his course with flying colours. 

"He is now our new mascot."

Pet therapy is known to help people to recover from or to cope with a health problem and dogs and cats are most commonly used in this type of therapy.  

Pets as Therapy is a self-supporting charity which already helps thousands of people in communities across the UK each week.