A Yorkshire care home is encouraging local dog owners to bring their pets in for a cup of tea and a chat after a visit from a popular puppy bus left residents smiling from ear to ear.
Wharfeside Care Home in Otley is launching a new initiative inviting members of the public to walk their dogs on the home's grounds before popping inside to meet residents and enjoy a free tea or coffee.
The idea was inspired by a recent visit from Billy's Bus, a community project that takes puppies to schools, nurseries, care homes and community groups across the region.
90th birthday surprise
The visit proved particularly memorable for one resident celebrating her 90th birthday.
Laura Mohan, founder of Billy's Bus, said residents were thrilled when 16 puppies arrived at the care home.
She said: "One lady was celebrating her 90th birthday that day. She came out in her wheelchair and we sat Woody, our four-year-old long-haired dachshund, on her knee. She thought he was a birthday present and we had to explain that she couldn't keep him."
Ms Mohan said the reaction from residents highlighted the positive impact dogs can have, particularly among older people.
"They absolutely loved it," she said. "There's something about elderly people and dogs. It reminds them of dogs they've had earlier in their lives and brings back lots of wonderful memories."
New community initiative
Following the success of the visit, Wharfeside Care Home contacted Laura to discuss launching a new community scheme.
Under the initiative, local dog owners will be invited to visit the care home with their pets, allowing residents to spend time with animals while meeting members of the local community.
Ms Mohan believes the idea could be adopted by care homes across the country.
She said: "It won't cost the care home anything and it encourages people to come in and spread a bit of joy. People can walk their dog on the grounds, come in for a cup of tea and let the residents meet their pup."
Benefits for residents living with dementia
Ms Mohan said contact with dogs can be especially valuable for residents living with dementia.
She explained that many people remember pets from earlier stages of their lives, helping to spark conversations and happy memories.
Ms Mohan said: "Particularly for dementia residents, they remember having a dog when they were younger or growing up with one. It just brings smiles and nostalgia back to them."
More than just a puppy bus
Billy's Bus has become well known for taking dogs into schools, nurseries and community settings.
The initiative also provides opportunities for volunteers, many of whom have learning disabilities, autism, ADHD or other forms of neurodiversity.
Ms Mohan said around 70 per cent of volunteers have gone on to become paid employees through the project.
Alongside care home visits, Billy's Bus also works with groups including Andy's Man Club and Wellness Dogs, helping to tackle loneliness and social isolation through regular community walks.
Ms Mohan said: "We're really keen to do anything we can community-wise, That's what we're all about."
Bringing generations together
The owner hopes the new care home initiative will encourage more interaction between generations while giving residents something to look forward to.
She said: "For people who might be a little isolated, it gives them an opportunity to drop into the care home, have a cup of tea and make somebody smile with their dog. It makes a big difference to the residents and it's such a simple thing to do."
Billy's Bus and Wharfeside Care Home will officially launch the initiative with a return visit this week, as organisers hope to inspire other care homes to follow suit.