Adorable Paws Galore! Sanford House Residents Meet Four Furry Visitors
When administrator Michael and his wife, Rebecca arrived at Sanford House wheeling an unusual buggy, residents were delighted to see a quartet of fluffy, friendly pups emerge.
Boxing Day Bonus
Michael and Rebecca are big fans of border collies and the puppies’ mother, Rogue, was a visitor to Sanford House Nursing Home 6 years ago, when she was tiny. Her litter was born on Boxing Day, emerging into a world of festive celebrations, and just over 4 weeks’ later it was time for four adorable dogs to be introduced to Sanford House – a lovely full circle moment.
Residents and Team Members Totally Smitten!
The four puppies - three girls and a boy - were extremely well behaved as they made their way around the home in their special puppy buggy. Remy, Chip, Rock and Cheese (named as she was “born as a big chunk”!) went to see every resident and everyone who was keen to hold or stroke them was able to. Residents’ faces lit up as the team appeared at their doorways with puppies in their arms. Memories flooded back of dogs in their past, and lots of stories were shared. There was also much laughter when the pups were a little clumsy finding their feet, stumbling when walking on the beds or snuggling into residents for a lie down – all such tiring work!
Residents asked lots of questions about the puppies and Michael had all the answers. One resident who isn’t a huge fan of animals said, “They really are lovely” and almost stroked one. Another asked if she could swap her husband for a puppy; he was relieved when Michael and Rebecca said no thank you! Even some residents who can need support to move found the strength to reach out and stroke their fluffy brown and white coats.
Team members on duty also took a few minutes out to have a little cuddle as the group came through the corridors, and it was lovely to see how interacting with the puppies brought a moment of calm in the middle of a busy day.
Animal Magic – The Power of Pet Therapy
Finally, it was time for four sleepy pups to be placed in their buggy to head home and everyone wished them well. In 4 weeks’, the pups will be going to their new homes to start their journey towards becoming agility dogs like their mum and grandmother, Storm, before them. In fact, Michael and Rebecca were lucky the puppies all had homes to go to or there may have been a bidding war for them - staff and residents had been falling in love at every turn!
The emotions animals can evoke are so powerful and animal therapy is something the Sanford House team organises whenever they can. In the meantime, Michael and Rebecca revealed that Remy will be staying with them, so residents are looking forward to regular updates and perhaps one day, the next generation of fluffy visitors!
Providing Warm and Compassionate Care
At Sanford House Nursing Home in Dereham, we understand how emotional and uncertain the journey into care can be, whether you're looking for support with daily living, dementia care, or end-of-life palliative care for a loved one.
Our welcoming, purpose-built home offers residential, nursing, dementia and palliative care in a peaceful, single-storey setting designed for comfort and ease of access. Thoughtfully arranged around a sensory courtyard garden, many rooms open directly onto this calming outdoor space, offering a sense of privacy, peace and connection with nature.
