Abbeyfield England Brecon Society have a new resident who has joined us, our therapy dog-in-training, Twiglet the Cocker Spaniel. Here we find out more about Twiglet and how she has been settling in to life at our lovely home including one of her favourite things - lots of cuddles from our wonderful residents!
Follow us on her journey to becoming a fully-fledged therapy dog.
Hi there! My name is Twiglet and I’m Abbeyfield’s newest resident here at Brecon.
I’m only 12 weeks old and a bit scared of most things (cats mainly!) but I’m going to learn how to be a therapy dog for all of the lovely residents here. I’ve started already and if it just involves cuddling then I think I’m going to be just fine!!
I can relax in mum’s office when I need to and I have a HUGE garden to play in. I’m learning to be nice and calm when I’m in work but when I go home with mum at the end of the day, I can go absolutely nuts – mum says she will be glad when we can go out for a walk. Personally, I think careering from one room to another and skidding along the floor is great!
Twiglet enjoying a sleepy cuddle
Happy and content in our lovely resident's arms
Snuggling up with our residents
I’ve mastered how to come back when I’m called (if there are no REALLY interesting smells about), how to drop whatever I have in my mouth (usually something I shouldn’t!!) and how to sit and stay. Then, and this is the best bit, I get some chicken. I’ll do ANYTHING for some chicken!!
Well, it’s nap time now but I’ll keep you posted with more of my very exciting progress shortly!
The benefits of pets for older people
Pets can make a huge difference to older people's lives. Research has found that pet owners are less likely to feel lonely, recover from illness faster and one study showed that even 15 minutes with an animal can increase serotonin and drop stress levels.
Improved social interaction
There are a number of benefits for owning a pet for older people including the perks of interacting and engaging with their pet which can help provide an older person with a sense of purpose by having something to care for, whilst also providing companionship. In sheltered housing pets can help spark conversations between residents, family, friends and staff.
Improving quality of life
Pets also create an opportunity for socialising and getting out in the fresh air, which in turn can increase confidence and self-esteem, whilst also reducing the risk of depression, anxiety and feelings of loneliness, which helps to improve quality of life.
Health benefits of owning a pet
Pets can help to increase mobility in older people and increase the amount of exercise that is required in caring for an animal, which can in turn help them to maintain a healthy weight. Looking after a pet has also been shown to lower blood pressure and help stimulate the mind and memory.
Sense of purpose
Having responsibility for an animal that an older person can feed, play and exercise with can provide a sense of purpose. Having a pet gives them an animal to keep them occupied and active.
Having a routine
Pets help to have a routine in the day, knowing that there is an animal that needs their care can help to establish a list of things they need to do in order to look after their pet, which is beneficial for brain health.