Four-legged therapist Negan joins care home staff to bring comfort to residents with complex needs

A Southport care home has welcomed a four-legged therapist to its team to help improve the wellbeing of residents with conditions including spinal injuries, dementia, and obesity.

Four-year-old Bedlington Cross Whippet Negan, who loves treats and running on the dunes, visits Dovehaven’s Manchester House Care Home fortnightly to encourage residents to get active and offer company that helps them feel calm and relaxed.

Known for her ability to predict seizures and detect medication, Negan lets residents walk and feed her in exchange for a good cuddle on the bed or treats in the garden.

Rachel Preston, manager of the 67-bed-home on Albert Road, said:

“We have a fantastic group of residents with specific needs including bariatric care, and support for spinal injuries, dementia, and mental health conditions. We care for the whole person, understanding their individual story and what makes them feel comfortable and valued and Negan is a huge part of that.

“She just knows who needs her most and is especially drawn to our less mobile and bariatric residents, jumping up on their beds, sitting with them and letting them talk and stroke her.”

The positive impact of therapy dogs is well known with research showing regular visits can encourage communication, engagement and mental wellbeing and small activities like dog walking can reduce swelling, aid blood circulation, and increase overall mobility.

Resident John Donnelly, said:

“Negan is the world’s best dog. She’s gentle, quiet, and beautiful and makes me feel relaxed. She just makes my heart feel better. She’s a great listener and puts a smile on my face. She’s more powerful than any tablet and if I’m anxious, she makes me come back to Earth and encourages me to get out of my room.”

And Negan isn’t the only animal in the home with residents living alongside pets including a parakeet and five rabbits.

Alison Wareing, Negan’s owner, said:

“She’s an active dog and loves running but she can’t wait to visit the home and snuggle on beds. She absolutely loves the residents and leads me around the home as she knows exactly who to see and where to go. Many residents used to have pets, so they tell us all about their own dogs and favourite memories. Negan helps them reminisce and also encourages those that can, to get out of their beds and walk around the home, the grounds or over the road in Hesketh Park.”

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