A pampered Chihuahua is celebrating 10 years as a care home’s ‘Canine Relations Manager’ – spending all day being cuddled by the besotted elderly residents.
For the last decade Lady has brought gushing smiles and laughter to overjoyed residents at Care UK’s Colne View care home in Halstead, Essex, who spend all day fawning over her, as she calmly earns pats and strokes.
Studies have proven that the elderly interacting with animals boosts their residual cognitive functions, reduces stress and also dementia-linked behavioural disorders like agitation or aggression.
Now the 15 year-old Chihuahua, adopted by the home’s customer relations manager Kim Richardson, has celebrated 10 years of dedicated service with a tiny party with ‘pupcakes’ – to match her tiny size.
Resident Winsome Grimwood, 92, said: “Lady is such a treasure, she spreads joy to everyone. We love seeing her every single day, we are so lucky to have her here.”
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Lady the chihuahua (Image: Care UK)
Known for her big personality in a tiny package, Lady is famous for inspecting visitors, strutting in her winter knitwear, and enjoying outdoor strolls with residents.
To mark the decade of employment, the home’s team threw a party fit for their furry resident, complete with pupcakes and a display of photographs capturing Lady’s heartwarming moments over the years.
Lady’s visits offer more than just companionship—whether snuggling up with residents, or sparking fond memories of past pets, her presence is a cherished part of life at the home.
She is known to cuddle up in bed with residents, especially if the bed has a warm blanket.
These are particularly important moments for those who are nursed in bed full time, as Lady provides a stimulating activity with her well-received visits.
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Lady with resident Pat Hill-Cottingham (Image: Care UK)
Recognising the therapeutic power of animals for people living with dementia, Lady’s role highlights the importance of pets in care settings.
And after 10 years, this tail-wagging team member shows no signs of slowing down – except, perhaps, when it’s time to leave her home away from home.
Owner Kim Richardson said: “It was incredibly special to celebrate Lady’s 10th anniversary at the home alongside residents, with a party truly fit for a Lady!
“Colne View is Lady’s home away from home, and she spends most of her time here, bouncing up and down in the car on the way in and dragging her feet on the way out!
“Lady has become a local legend. First-time visitors often ask to meet her, and we even take her to other care homes for guest appearances!
“She’s an absolute star and brings so much happiness to everyone she meets. It has been a privilege to see how much of a positive impact Lady’s presence has been over the last decade.
“She’ll be getting an extra few cuddles to celebrate this milestone!”
The Chihuahua is a Mexican breed of toy dog, named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, and is the smallest dog breed in the world.
In the UK and US, Chihuahuas are regularly voted among the top five most popular dog breeds with their lapdog nature popular among young and trendy owners.