Paws and Smiles: Pet Therapy with a Pug at The Willows

There was a buzz of excitement at The Willows Nursing Home recently as we welcomed a very special four-legged visitor — a charming little pug named Bella. As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing the wellbeing of our residents, this pet therapy session brought warmth, comfort, and an abundance of smiles throughout the home.

The Power of Pet Therapy

Pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy, has long been recognised for its positive impact on mental and emotional health — particularly for older adults. Interacting with animals can help reduce stress, combat loneliness, and even lower blood pressure. For many of our residents, it also evokes fond memories of pets they’ve loved and cared for over the years.

Bella the pug proved to be the perfect companion. With her gentle temperament, big round eyes, and ever-wagging tail, she captured hearts the moment she trotted through our doors.

A Warm and Welcoming Visit

Bella, accompanied by her friendly handler, spent the afternoon visiting residents in the lounge and in their rooms. She was more than happy to be stroked, cuddled, and fussed over, and in return offered her calm presence and a few well-timed snuffles that had everyone chuckling.

One resident remarked, “I used to have a pug just like her. Seeing Bella brought all those memories flooding back — it’s like a little piece of my past came to visit.” Moments like these are why we value pet therapy so highly.

Benefits Beyond the Smiles

The session wasn’t just about cuteness and cuddles — although there were plenty of those! Pet therapy supports a range of therapeutic goals. It helps stimulate conversation and memory recall, encourages physical interaction and gentle movement, and lifts spirits in a way that only animals can.

Residents who are often quiet or reserved were noticeably more engaged, speaking to Bella as if she were an old friend. The presence of a dog can be incredibly grounding, offering comfort and companionship in a simple, non-verbal way.

Looking Ahead

Our team at The Willows is always exploring new ways to enrich the lives of our residents. Pet therapy is one of many activities we’ve introduced to create a warm, stimulating, and supportive environment — and judging by the response to Bella’s visit, it’s something we’ll certainly continue.

We’re incredibly grateful to Bella and her handler for sharing their time and love with us. The joy she brought was clear to see, and we look forward to welcoming her (and perhaps more furry friends!) again soon.

Until then, we’ll cherish the paw-sitive memories she left behind. 🐾