Norfolk Greyhound Trust surprises Downham Market care home residents with a visit from four-legged friends
The joy of nostalgia washed over the residents of Downham Grange Care Home as they were treated to a special visit from a greyhound rescue group. Hayley Pattrick, a representative from Norfolk Greyhound Rescue, brought along some adorable foster dogs, reigniting fond memories of owning beloved pets in the past. The visit was made possible thanks to the efforts of Marcia Hughes, Kingsley Healthcare’s regional community engagement coordinator, who contacted Hayley to arrange the special encounter. The residents were over the moon to meet the charming canines, and it was clear that the feeling was mutual. As the dogs wagged their tails and showered the residents with affection, it was a heartwarming scene to behold.
The visit was a resounding success, with everyone at the care home getting caught up in the excitement. Even nurse Sophie Freeman couldn’t resist the puppy eyes, taking a few minutes to indulge in a cuddle session with the dogs. The residents were equally enamored, with many exclaiming, “I’d adopt them tomorrow!” The Greyhound Trust Group’s mission to find forever homes for retired racing greyhounds resonated deeply with the residents, who were happy to learn more about the organization’s vital work. Activities coordinator Bruna Morais, an avid dog lover herself, took the initiative to organize a staff collection of food for the dogs, demonstrating the care home’s commitment to giving back to the community. As the residents spent time with the greyhounds, it was clear that the visit had brought a sense of joy and companionship to their lives.
The Norfolk Greyhound Trust, founded in 1975, has been working tirelessly to rehome retired racing greyhounds, with an impressive track record of finding new homes for over 100,000 dogs. However, the organization still has hundreds of greyhounds waiting for a loving family to take them in. Hayley Pattrick’s dedication to the cause was inspiring, and her passion for finding forever homes for these gentle creatures was evident in the way she interacted with the residents. As she introduced the foster dogs to the care home, it was clear that she had a special bond with each and every one of them. The residents were fascinated by the stories Hayley shared about the dogs’ backgrounds and the journey they had been on, and it was heartening to see the connection that was formed between the residents and the dogs.
One of the residents, Rosalind Burroughs, was particularly taken with the greyhounds, and her face lit up as she spent time with them. The interaction was a poignant reminder of the importance of human-animal connections, particularly for older adults who may be living with dementia or social isolation. The visit from the greyhound rescue group brought a sense of excitement and purpose to the care home, and it was wonderful to see the residents engaging with the dogs and forming new memories. As the visit drew to a close, it was clear that the experience had left a lasting impact on everyone involved. The residents were beaming with joy, and the staff were already discussing ways to integrate more animal-based activities into the care home’s events calendar.
The partnership between Downham Grange Care Home and Norfolk Greyhound Rescue is a shining example of the positive impact that can be achieved when organizations come together to make a difference. By working together, they were able to bring happiness and companionship to the residents, while also raising awareness about the important work of the greyhound rescue group. As the care home continues to look for ways to enrich the lives of its residents, it’s clear that animal-based activities will play a significant role. The visit from the greyhound rescue group was a resounding success, and it’s likely that the residents will be eagerly anticipating their next encounter with the lovable greyhounds. With the support of organizations like Norfolk Greyhound Rescue, care homes like Downham Grange can provide a more engaging and fulfilling experience for their residents, and that’s something to be celebrated.
For anyone interested in learning more about the Norfolk Greyhound Trust or getting involved with the organization, Hayley Pattrick can be contacted on 07470 931758. The trust is always looking for volunteers and foster families to help care for the greyhounds, and donations of food and other supplies are always welcome. By supporting the trust, individuals can make a real difference in the lives of these incredible animals, and help to bring joy and companionship to those in need. As the residents of Downham Grange Care Home can attest, the impact of animal-based activities should not be underestimated, and it’s an area that deserves further exploration and development. With the help of organizations like Norfolk Greyhound Rescue, care homes can provide a more holistic and engaging experience for their residents, and that’s a goal worth striving for.
