Chester care home colleagues celebrate therapy dog and two new budgies that provide ‘sense of responsibility’ to resident during National Pet Month

HC-One's Lauren Court – located in Blacon, Chester – has been celebrating National Pet Month throughout April to highlight a therapy dog and two new budgies that have given one resident a "sense of responsibility" again.

During National Pet Month, Lauren Court honoured a special dog and two budgies that have helped put a smile on residents' faces. Residents and colleagues showed their appreciation for Nellie, a Chihuahua, and Sky and Suni, two new budgies, as they highlighted the month to commemorate all the joy that the pets bring to residents.

National Pet Month is a campaign run by the National Office of Animal Health – which dedicates 30-days from April 1, 2024 – to raise awareness of the importance of being a responsible pet owner. Having a pet in the home can offer many benefits to the elderly, including therapeutic care and companionship.

Residents can improve their wellbeing by keeping pets and they can help facilitate improved social interaction. Nellie makes an immense difference every time she visits residents and colleagues at Lauren Court.

Nicola Vernon, Home Manager at Lauren Court, revealed that resident, Mary Blake, was reminiscing about her pet budgies. This led Nicola to take Mary on a trip to a local pet store to help put a smile back on the resident's face.

Mary chose two budgies that will help keep her company at Lauren Court. The elderly resident stated that she has now been given a "sense of responsibility" again by caring for her two new pets.

Nicola Vernon, Home Manager at Lauren Court, said:

 "Nellie is a therapy dog who attends the home regularly, she has her own uniform, and she even wears a name badge. We love animals at Lauren Court, Nellie loves the residents, and they all love her.

 "Our Mary had been missing her budgies. So, I took her to the local pet shop. She chose her own two budgies, named them Sky and Suni, set up their cage and I have never seen a bigger smile!"

Mary Blake, resident at Lauren Court, commented:

"I have always had budgies, so I absolutely loved going to the pet shop. I'm taking the responsibility very seriously, as I clean the cage out daily, refresh the food and water and spend time talking to them. Having the budgies in the home has given me a sense of responsibility again - they have enhanced my daily life."