At Orford House, our Coulsdon-based residential care home, residents have been commemorating this year’s Walk Your Dog Month with their regular furry, four-legged friend, Bailey.
Bailey, a 6-year-old Labrador is a qualified Therapy Dogs Nationwide Dog who visits the residents at Orford House each Tuesday. Bailey is quite a character and loves nothing more than playing games, doing his tricks for treats and snuggling up with the residents for cuddles.
Brian, Bailey’s owner and trainer said: “Bailey loves coming along to Orford House for his weekly visits, he adores the residents just as much as they adore him.”
As a Therapy Dog, Bailey is not an Assistance Dog meaning he brings benefits to people in a therapeutic way. The difference between an Assistance Dog and a Therapy Dog is that an Assistance Dog has been trained to perform a specific set of tasks and focus on a single person such as providing assistance to someone with certain medical condition or is disabled. A Therapy Dog is often a pet dog who belongs to a volunteer who visits care homes, hospitals, schools or community hubs to bring smiles, enhance interactions and bring lots of joy and happiness.
Mary Bradley, Orford House’s Activity Coordinator said: “Bailey is so intelligent and has a wonderful, loving nature and temperament which is absolutely perfect for a Therapy Dog.
“Everyone knows when Bailey has arrived, he certainly makes an entrance each week, running up to every resident to say hello.”
Bailey has his routine. When he arrives, it’s straight into the Lounge for games with the residents such as ball and fetch, and chewy toy tugs of war. Bailey then takes a gentle stroll around the room, making sure he has time for a cuddle with everyone – and, of course, giving his paw when asked to get his good boy treats.
“Bailey enjoys seeing all the residents,” continued Michelle Kennett, the Registered Manager at Orford House. “He’s such a joyful character and caring dog. Always full of ‘woofi-ful’ energy, he brings so much happiness to the residents each week. The residents give him their undivided attention, which Bailey picks up on. He is a bit of a showman, and loves to be the centre of attention, keeping everyone entertained.
“Interacting with Bailey is a great reminiscing exercise for the residents as well. It’s lovely to hear their stories about the dogs and other pets they have had either growing up as children or as family pets.”
“The residents’ faces light up when Bailey arrives each week, his ‘paw-some’ enthusiasm is contagious. His tail doesn’t stop wagging from the minute he arrives, until the minute he leaves. As the saying goes, a dog is man’s best friend, a title they earned for their unwavering loyalty, companionship, and ability to understand human emotions. Seeing Bailey with the residents each week, he definitely understands them and treats each one as his own best friend,” concluded Michelle.
Find out more about Orford House care home by calling 020 8660 2875 or emailing enquiries@fote.org.uk.