Residents and team members at Moat House Care Home in Burbage recently enjoyed a truly heartwarming and memorable experience when Home Manager Paul and his wife Steph brought in a very special group of four-legged visitors — a litter of six five-week-old Labrador Retriever puppies.
The surprise visit also included the puppies’ mother, Honey, alongside another much-loved family dog, Bella, turning the care home into a hub of excitement, warmth and gentle wagging tails for the day.
As soon as the puppies arrived, residents were delighted to meet them up close, with many taking the opportunity to cuddle, stroke and carefully hold the tiny pups. The calm and friendly nature of the animals created a soothing environment, encouraging relaxation, conversation and plenty of smiles across the home.
Staff noted that the visit sparked emotional responses from residents, with many sharing fond memories of pets they had owned in the past, as well as stories from their younger years. The experience helped to encourage engagement, reminiscence and meaningful social interaction throughout the day.
Honey and Bella also played an important role in the visit, gently interacting with residents and providing reassurance as the puppies explored their surroundings. The combination of adult dogs and playful pups added to the sense of comfort and familiarity felt by everyone involved.
Paul Bundyford, Home Manager for Moat House Care Home said:
“The puppies brought so much happiness into the home. Animal visits always have such a positive impact on our residents, and this one felt especially special. It was wonderful to see so many smiles and hear the laughter throughout the day.”
The visit created a calm, uplifting atmosphere and left lasting memories for both residents and staff, highlighting the importance of meaningful experiences and animal-assisted interaction in promoting wellbeing and connection within the home.
For more information or pictures from the day, check out our Facebook Page.
Or for more information on life at Moat House, visit our homes page.
