Residents at Elm View Bupa Care Home in Clevedon were recently visited by Charlie the donkey.
Charlie spent a sunny afternoon with the care home's residents, as part of a visit organised by Kelly’s Donkeys.
The residents relished their time with Charlie, stroking him and even feeding him carrots from the comfort of their armchairs.
The afternoon was organised by care home activities coordinator, Amanda Rowles.
She said: "I’ve been trying to get a donkey in for a visit for a while and it was great to finally have Kelly’s Donkeys bring Charlie to see us.
"The residents love it when animals visit, and we’re thrilled to make such beautiful memories for them."
One of the residents, Tom Knight acknowledged Charlie’s lovely nature.
He said: "He was lovely, docile and delightful.
"I was really surprised to see the donkey.
"I was told he was coming but I didn’t believe it.
"He was so cute."
Another resident, Joyce Rogers said, "I thought it was lovely and would’ve liked more food to give him.
"He didn’t talk to me unless I had carrots.
"It was a bit of cupboard love!"
Pet therapy, such as this visit, offers significant benefits to care home residents.
It has been proven that interacting with pets releases endorphins, which provides a calming effect.
Kelly’s Donkeys is a highly rated local business that brings the joyous experience of pet therapy to care homes and events across the community.
Elm View Bupa Care Home provides nursing or residential care in Clevedon, Somerset for those living with conditions, such as Parkinson’s.
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