Heywood Rural Health has introduced a few new furry friends to its residence and they’re open to plenty of pats.

Portland District Therapy Dogs have been visiting the HRH residents weekly since the start of March, with the goal of putting some ease to everyone’s day.

Lesley Yuill and her fluffy best friend Ruby Rose, a golden retriever, have been visiting since the beginning of the year, and have been making sure to say hello to every resident.

“I go to rooms and knock on the door and ask them, would they like to have a visit?” Ms Yuill said.

“I’m learning people, names and faces and what they did, and who they’re related to and the connections that we’ve got as well.

“The first lady I met. I was there for nearly an hour just chatting with her. “I only got to see two people that day. I enjoyed it.

“But last time I was here for two and a half hours, because you just get chatting with people.

“I keep a watch out for (Ruby Rose) if she’s getting restless. Then I know she needs to go to the toilet or wants a drink.”

Ruby Rose gets brushed and pampered every day, so she is always very fluffy and soft to pat. Portland District Therapy Dogs are taken through training, to test if they are suitable for the position, and then vet checked.

“With regards to the therapy dogs, it’s a fabulous session for our residents, and they get to meet new people, like Lesley, who have a huge interest in dogs,” HRH volunteer coordinator Ros Jones said.

“A lot of residents used to have pets and dogs, so it brings back that bit of family, camaraderie and friendship that a dog gives.

“They get so much out of the dogs, and they’re different breeds of dogs too. “One looks a bit more like a working dog, which will relate to our old farmers. “But, Ruby’s beautiful, so we’re very excited to have them on board.”

Thank you to the Portland Observer for this story and supplied photo.