At Bernard Sunley, our Woking-based residential, nursing and dementia care home, residents have been marking this year’s Walk Your Dog Month by celebrating with their very own care home dog, Jazz.
Jazz is the official four-legged member of the Bernard Sunley Care Home family and has been a ‘paw-manent’ character and daily highlight for the residents for nearly seven years since she was a puppy. “Jazz is an adorable Miniature Labradoodle,” said Andy Cumper, the Registered Manager at Bernard Sunley – and also Jazz’s Owner. “Since she was a puppy and allowed to go outside following her vaccinations, Jazz has been coming to work with me every day and is now a ‘bone-i-fied’ member of the Care Team. When she first came to Bernard Sunley, she was so small she could fit in my hand. She’s grown so much over the years that’s definitely not possible now.”
“Jazz the dog is so popular with all the residents that she has her own activity slot on our wide daily Activities Calendar,” said Monika Ahmed, the Activities Coordinator at Bernard Sunley. “All the residents love spending time with Jazz and she loves nothing more than spending time with them.
“Her daily routine includes her unmissable games session which takes place in our Lounge. The residents keep her entertained with lots of games, chasing balls and, of course, plenty of cuddles. Jazz the dog loves cuddles and can often be found snuggled up on the residents’ laps when she fancies a snooze.”
Once her daily games session is over, Jazz goes on her regular tour of the care home to visit those residents who haven’t been able to join in the fun in the Lounge. “Jazz adores all our residents, but I have an idea that her ‘fur-ourite’ is Joan Arnold who has been a resident at Bernard Sunley since March 2022. The two have a strong bond and Joan always has a good stash of doggie snacks waiting for Jazz to enjoy,” added Monika.
“For older people, interacting with pets, especially dogs, is a positive well-being activity as it can help to reduce stress and lower blood pressure and it’s also a wonderful reminiscing pastime for the residents. It’s lovely to hear their stories of the dogs they had as children, growing up or as family pets,” continued Monika.
Bernard Sunley hosts a variety of special events throughout the year and Jazz loves to get involved with as many as possible. “Jazz really enjoys dressing up and has accumulated quite a wardrobe of outfits,” added Andy. “You’ll see her decked out in all her finery for Christmas, Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day and many others. I have to say that Jazz is always dressed to suit the occasion.”
“Jazz the dog enjoys interacting with all the residents as they give her their undivided devotion and she loves being the centre of attention. She’s a real character full of enthusiasm and she’s also very intelligent with a loving nature. She brings a smile to the residents’ faces as soon as she enters the room,” continued Monika.
“Jazz is a total people pleaser who is not only loveable, but has lots of dog love and affection to give, which she happily gives to the residents every day,” concluded Andy.
Find out more about Bernard Sunley care home by calling 01483 764 300 or emailing enquiries@fote.org.uk.