Miniature Pony Dollar Brings Welcome Boost To Andover Care Home

An American miniature pony, named Dollar, popped into Millway House in Andover recently to give its residents a happy boost.

Visiting the nurse-led care home with Rachel Cavill from Show Tell and Talk Animals for an animal therapy session, the loveable pony was welcomed by everyone with open arms.

Dollar, who is two-years old and only 32-inches tall, was taken around Millway House to interact with its residents, and, with strokes aplenty, the furry visitor seemed to be loving the attention.

‘Animal therapy’ refers to the use of animals to help people with specific physical or mental health conditions, and Claire Lousteau, Home Manager at Millway House, says the benefits for her residents, are huge.

She said: “Our residents find peace and relaxation through animal visits like this, and it’s been wonderful to see how much they’ve enjoyed stroking and talking to Dollar today. Thanks to Rachel for bringing her in.”

Show Tell and Talk Animals, based just outside Andover, looks after a variety of animals. Owner, Rachel, said: “I’ve looked after animals all my life and they’ve always brought me great pleasure. I can now share this with others, and it has been lovely to take Dollar around Millway House today. To see the smiles on all the residents’ faces is really heart-warming, and we’re already looking forward to our next visit.”
Millway House is part of AgeCare and Operations Manager Sara Gallagher is thrilled to hear that its residents had the opportunity to benefit from this special session.

She said: “At Millway House, we are a nurse-led care home, so our approach focuses on providing a home from home for our residents while we meet their healthcare needs. Interaction with different animals helps stimulate our residents’ brains and helps to keep them mentally active and engaged, which is so important, and I’m delighted to hear how much they enjoyed Dollar’s visit.”