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Care homes celebrate therapeutic value of dogs
The care home says Geraldine always brings a smile to residents' faces.
HC-One Care Homes marked International Dog Day.

A group of care homes has marked International Dog Day (Monday, 26 August) by sharing how dogs have helped its residents and staff.

HC-One Care Homes, which manages care homes across the UK, invites certain dogs for visits into its care homes and has seen the therapeutic effect it has had on residents and staff.

The group’s Coventry-based care home, Victoria Mews, is frequently visited by one-year-old Shorkie (Shih Tzu and Yorkshire terrier) Geraldine. Geraldine attends the care home with her owner, Victoria Mews home manager Michael David.

Geraldine has been visiting the care home since she was 10 weeks old and has quickly become relaxed in her role.

The care home says that Geraldine enjoys interacting with the residents that give her attention. It says that she appears to know when people are upset and is soon able to bring a smile to their faces.

Many of Victoria Mews’ residents had previously owned dogs, so spending time with Geraldine also brings back memories of their past experiences. She even has a fan club among the residents’ relatives, who knit her bows and little hats.

Janis Baylis, a resident at the care home, said: “I miss my dog and when I moved into a care home before here, I had to rehome my dog. Seeing Geraldine makes me think of my dog and brings back happy memories.”

HC-One Care Homes states that it believes dogs in care homes can offer many benefits to elderly residents. It suggests that the presence of dogs improves wellbeing, provides companionship and facilitates social interactions. It has also made an impact on the wellbeing of its staff.

The group has similar initiatives in its care homes in Birmingham, Pontefract and Blacon.

Mr David said: “My Geraldine attends the home regularly. Geraldine has impacted so much on residents’ wellbeing, This could just be dog therapy or just playing with a ball in the lounge.

“Geraldine has also impacted our colleague wellbeing. When staff are feeling stressed or low, they will often take five minutes out with the dog, and this picks them back up.”

Images © HC-One Care Homes

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.