‘Neigh Kidding’ As Little Mr Kelloggs Spreads Joy On Care Home Walkabout

A 29-inch-tall miniature therapy pony prompted smiles all round on a face-to-face tour of a dementia care home in Lymington.

Residents of Colten Care’s Linden House were overjoyed to meet ‘so cute’ Mr Kelloggs on a visit that included the foyer, lounges and taking the lift upstairs to individual bedrooms.

It was the nine-year-old miniature Shetland’s first care home trip since winning the animal category at this autumn’s BBC Radio Solent Make a Difference Awards.

Led carefully by handlers from Bournemouth-based Linking Hearts Therapy Horses, Mr Kelloggs was naturally the centre of attention.

After the chance of a stroke and to smooth out the pony’s long mane, Martin Straw, a longtime animal lover, said: “I was thrilled to meet him and didn’t want to see him leave.”

Fellow residents Denzi Steward and Hazel Frances were equally surprised when Mr Kelloggs strolled into their midst.

Covering her mouth in delight before reaching out for a stroke, Denzi called him ‘so cute’.

Hazel was resting in bed but lit up the moment her little visitor appeared.

Companionship Team Leader Natasha Nilsen said:
“With his gentle presence, he spread a sense of peaceful joy throughout the home, bringing smiles and comfort to everyone he met.

“Animal therapy has been shown to provide numerous benefits for care home residents, such as reducing stress, alleviating loneliness and improving overall mood, and this was no exception.”

“We could see from residents’ reactions how much they felt relaxed and engaged.”

“Mr. Kelloggs’ visit was a heartwarming reminder of the profound impact that animal therapy can have on residents at Linden House, and we look forward to welcoming this very special miniature horse again soon.”