You must be Kidding! Christmas Cuddles for Care Home Residents from Baby Goats

A special Christmas visit brought joy to care home residents in Braintree when six baby pygmy goats came calling.

After a tough time with visits to The New Deanery in Bocking limited by Covid-19 restrictions, Activities Manager Jo Whitehouse arranged an early Christmas treat.

Following latest protocols, Jo arranged for the three-week-old pygmy goats to make their first trip out from their home at Blackwater Alpacas & Pygmy Goats in nearby Bradwell village.

Six goats arrived to spend time with around 40 delighted residents. Joan Green, 95, said: “They are wonderful, they were so warm and cuddly. I wanted to keep one, I would love one for Christmas!”

Kathleen Stubbs, 83, added: “I thought the little goats were lovely, absolutely beautiful.”

Jo Whitehouse from The New Deanery explained: “When Blackwater Alpacas & pygmy goats told me about their new arrivals, I booked them in straight away. We have worked with them in the past, but it’s been so long since we have been able to have any animals in to visit because of the pandemic.”

Julia Clinton, CEO of Sonnet Care Homes, which runs the New Deanery and its sister nursing home St Mary’s Court, said: “Our residents and our team loved the chance to cuddle the goats, they were so gentle and friendly, it really brought some Christmas joy.”