‘Ball of fluff’ therapy dog brings joy to Waltham Abbey care home residents living with dementia

Therapy dog Izzy brings joy and comfort to dementia residents at Honey Lane

Residents at a specialist residential dementia care home in Waltham Abbey love their weekly visit from tiny Pets as Therapy (PAT) dog Izzy and her owner Amanda.

Lisa Gammalliere, lifestyle manager at Honey Lane Care Home, organises for Amanda and her seven-year-old Pomeranian to visit the home and is constantly amazed at the residents’ response and how well they engage with the tiny breed dog.

“The home always buzzes with excitement leading up to a visit from Izzy and Amanda,” said Lisa, “everyone really looks forward to their visits, Izzy is like a cute ball of fluff with the gentlest nature. Our residents absolutely love her to bits!

“Some of them enjoy chatting or even singing to her, others just love a cuddle, she has the softest fur. There is always lots of smiles and laughter from our residents.”

Amanda has been bringing Izzy to Honey Lane for over a year.

Aileen Spalding, aged 93, lives with dementia and has been a resident at Honey Lane for almost a year. Aileen enjoys having Izzy sit on her lap so that she can give the pooch tight cuddles.

“I always wanted a dog when I was a little girl, but I was not allowed to as my parents had no time for a pet,” said Aileen.

“Izzy is so small, cute and fluffy, she brings me so much joy. I love to sing to her, especially How Much is that Doggy in the Window. I always ask Amanda if I can keep her!”

Malcom Posser, aged 91, is living with dementia and has been a resident at Honey lane since 2022. Lisa said: “Malcom loves seeing Izzy, he allows her to sit on his knee where he will tickle behind her ears and make silly noises to get a reaction from her, Izzy is in her element while she’s having her ears tickled.”

Josie Jennings, aged 93, has been a resident at Honey lane since 2021 and is living with advanced dementia.

“A visit from Izzy always lights up Josie’s face and gives her the biggest smile,” continued Lisa. “Josie makes woof noises and sings her a lullaby; she likes to cradle Izzy like she’s a baby.

“Josie lives with advanced dementia, and we find animal therapy is one of the things that brings her joy. She is not only engaged and stimulated during Izzy’s visits, but they also have a lasting positive effect afterwards too.”

Home manager Angela Sacks added: “Animal therapy has lots of health and wellbeing benefits for older people, especially those living with dementia.

“For some of our residents, interacting with Izzy has a calming effect, helping them to relax and feel content, and for others it can be a great way to stimulate engagement, social interaction, and conversation.

“It also helps that Izzy is so cute and adores all the attention!”

Located on Honey Lane in Waltham Abbey, the 38-bed care home is rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and was awarded ‘Highly Commended’ at the Great British Care Awards 2023 for ‘Dementia Care’.