Residents and colleagues at
HC-One’s Victoria Park Care Home in Stoke, Coventry, are thrilled to welcome a new furry friend to their family, Doris, a gentle and affectionate therapy dog who has begun monthly visits to the home, spreading joy and comfort to all she meets.
Doris visits as part of a heart-warming initiative with Therapy Dogs Nationwide, a national charity that coordinates visits from volunteers and their temperament-tested dogs to provide emotional support, stimulation, and companionship in care homes, schools, hospitals, and other settings across the UK.
The response from residents has been overwhelmingly positive. Doris’s calm nature and friendly presence spark smiles, laughter, and conversation and offer therapeutic benefits such as reduced anxiety and increased social engagement, particularly for those living with dementia or experiencing loneliness.
Home Manager at HC-One’s Victoria Park Care Home, Katie Hollis, said:
“Doris has been an absolute delight. From the moment she steps through the door, our residents light up. It’s amazing to see the positive impact she has, people who are usually quiet become animated and chatty in her company. We’re so grateful to Therapy Dogs Nationwide for making these visits possible. Doris is already part of the family here at Victoria Park.”