At Goodwins Hall care home in Kings Lynn, there’s a regular dose of canine joy courtesy of Viv Gray and her wonderful golden retriever, Willow.
This dynamic duo has been spreading smiles and comfort through pets as therapy (PAT) sessions, much to the delight of residents and the care team alike.
Willow, a charming five-year-old with a gentle demeanour, accompanies Viv on her visits, making rounds through communal areas and spending time with individual residents who may have to stay in their rooms.
The sight of Willow trotting through the halls is a welcomed one, eagerly anticipated by both residents and staff, who never miss a chance to lavish attention, not to mention treats, on the furry visitor.
For Viv, dogs have always been a part of life, but she knew there was something uniquely special about Willow from the start. Despite Willow’s challenging time as a pup, having been returned to the breeder for being “hard to control,” Viv saw great potential in her furry friend. Taking matters into her own hands, Viv personally trained Willow, nurturing her into the perfect candidate for pet therapy work.
The inspiration for becoming a PAT dog volunteer struck Viv during a visit to a friend at another care home, where she witnessed the profound impact a dog had on the residents. From that moment on, Viv was determined to share Willow’s gift with others.
“I want to share her with others and to see the smiles she brings to the residents here is wonderful,” says Viv, reflecting on the joy that Willow brings to the care home.
“So many people have stories about their own dogs from the past, which they love to share. Willow gets lots of cuddles and fuss, it’s wonderful to be a part of.”
Willow has undergone thorough assessment and is officially registered with Pets as Therapy, a testament to her suitability and aptitude for the role. But the benefits of their volunteer work extend beyond the residents of Goodwins Hall. For Viv, who is in her 70s, being a pet therapy volunteer has brought newfound purpose and fulfilment to her life.
“I love to keep busy, have an allotment, and enjoy gardening, as well as go to a U3A art group,” shares Viv. “This is something lovely Willow and I can do together – it’s uplifting and very worthwhile. When you get to my age, you can start to feel a little useless; this has reversed that completely.”
In a care home setting the quiet presence of a therapy dog like Willow offers a profound reminder of the simple joys in life – a gentle nuzzle, a wagging tail, and the unconditional love of a pet. Through their visits to Goodwins Hall, Viv and Willow continue to enrich the lives of those they encounter, one wag at a time.
