Residents at Friends of the Elderly’s Woking Care Home Have a ‘Paw-some’ Day – Every Day – with pooch Jazz
At Bernard Sunley, the Woking-based residential, nursing and dementia care home run by charity Friends of the Elderly, which is celebrating its 120th Anniversary this year, the residents have had a ‘Paw-fect’ time celebrating this year’s World Animal Day with the care home’s very own pooch, Jazz.
“The annual World Animal Day takes place on 4th October to align with the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology and animals,” said Andy Cumper, the Registered Manager at Bernard Sunley and Jazz’s ‘Human’. “As Jazz is the official furry four-legged member of the care home team and a ‘paw-manent’ member of the Bernard Sunley family, we wanted to share some of her daily activities which bring so much joy to the residents.”
Jazz, a 7-year-old Miniature Labradoodle, has been a regular face – and paws – at Bernard Sunley since she was a puppy – once she’d had all her vaccinations of course. “The residents absolutely ‘a-paw’ Jazz,” said Monika Ahmend, the care home’s Activities Coordinator. “She even has her very own spot on the activities calendar.”
Jazz takes her role very seriously and never makes a ‘faux-paw’. She has a visiting rota and makes sure she sees all the residents in their rooms and is known to often take her self off for additional visits at every ‘opp-pawtunity’. “I wouldn’t be surprised if she gets a few crafty doggie biscuit treats on her visits either,” added Monika.
Once her visiting rounds are over, it’s straight into the lounge for her daily games session with the other residents. “Jazz is very good at ‘Fetch’,” continued Andy. “The residents thoroughly enjoy see Jazz show off her fetch and return skills, and she loves being the centre of attention. Not only does she keep the residents entertained which you can tell she adores, but she also gets plenty of cuddles too, which she’s extremely fond of.”
Jazz certainly is very popular with all the residents and makes sure she gives everyone her undivided time so nobody is left without their daily Jazz dose of happiness. “I love seeing Jazz,” said resident Eric Walker. “She reminds me of my own dog.” Another resident, Kenneth Inwood added: “Jazz is my Best Friend, she brightens my day with her daily visits. I used to have a German Shepherd called Sprout, so having our very own care home dog is wonderful, as it brings back so many happy memories.”
Vivian Best, who has been a resident at Bernard Sunley since November 2022is particularly close to Jazz. “Vivian used to live in Scotland and had pet German Shepherds. Once he’s seen Jazz, he’ll often talk about his own dogs and how much they meant to him,” continued Andy.
Bernard Sunley hosts a wide variety of special events throughout the year and Jazz is always at the centre of the action. “Jazz loves to get involved with as many events and special occasions as possible,” added Monika. “She really gets into the party spirit and especially loves showing off her celebratory outfits at Halloween, Christmas and all the Saints Days.”
“When we have a resident’s birthday, Jazz will always make sure she gives the Birthday Girl or Boy extra attention, helps the care team sing Happy Birthday and is always there when the birthday cake is cut. She’s a real character, full of love and happiness, her tail never stops wagging,” continued Andy.
Jazz was born on 18th June which makes her a Gemini dog who are known for being curious, very sociable and intelligent. “Jazz’s star sign is so true. She’s super smart and enjoys meeting new people and always wins them over with her charm,” added Monika.
“For the residents, interacting with pets, especially dogs, is a such positive and happy activity. Playing and engaging with Jazz can help to reduce stress and lower blood pressure and we see what a great reminiscing pastime it is for the residents as well. Marking World Pet Day and having Jazz make such a positive impact to the residents’ days – every day – is wonderful to witness and be part of,” concluded Andy.
