Clive The Therapy Dog Brings Joy To Residents At Cambridge Care Home
A Border Terrier, called Clive, has visited Waterbeach Lodge, north of Cambridge, to bring some extra joy to its residents.
Clive is a familiar face at Waterbeach Lodge, and pops into the Cambridgeshire care home every fortnight for an animal therapy session. Visiting from Therapy Dogs Nationwide, the four-legged friend was once again taken around the care home to interact with residents. As always, the 4-year-old pet was given a warm welcome. He enjoyed plenty of strokes and cuddles as well as some tasty treats, provided by his owner.
‘Animal therapy’ refers to the use of animals to help people with specific physical or mental health conditions, and Beverley Murray, Registered Manager at Waterbeach Lodge, says the benefits for her residents, are huge.
She said: “Interaction with different animals helps stimulate our residents’ brains and helps to keep them mentally active and engaged. Everyone loves having Clive visit – it’s always a real pleasure. Thank you to Kathryn for bringing him in again today.”
Therapy Dogs Nationwide is a national charity where volunteers take their own dogs into establishments to provide comfort, distraction, and stimulation. Kathryn Brack, Clive’s owner, has registered the Border Terrier with the charity, and said it’s wonderful to see the positive impact he has on Waterbeach’s residents. “Seeing the joy, interaction and companionship Clive brings is incredibly rewarding, and for many of the residents he stirs up memories of pets they’ve owned – he’s a real conversational starter.”
Waterbeach Lodge is part of AgeCare UK and Director of Care, Jo Mason, is thrilled to hear how much its residents enjoy visits from their furry friend.
She said: “At Waterbeach Lodge, we foster a family approach, focusing on enabling residents to live well. It’s wonderful to hear that residents have benefited from another special visit from Clive. I’ve heard good things about him and am looking forward to meeting him myself one day.”
