On Wednesday 7 September we received a wonderful package at Lukestone Care Home, containing interactive pet kittens and puppies, a sensory kit, jigsaw puzzles and memory books. These were all kindly donated by Keris and Gary, whose mum Phyllis was a resident at our Home.
Due to the variety of the pets, we were able to pick and choose according to previous conversations we had had with our residents. Most had had pets before, so we chose the ones with the closest description of their liking.
When we brought out the boxes everyone in the lounge and their rooms looked excited! We handed residents their adoption certificate alongside the box so they could officially name their pets themselves.
When they opened their boxes there were many mixed reactions; one of our residents teared up and said she wouldn’t be able to take care of her pet. However, in the end she adored the tiny napping and breathing kitten in her arms.
Similarly, when we gave out puppies for adoption, Brian said it was ‘the best present he had ever received!‘ Most of our residents were similarly delighted with their pets and appeared as proud owners.
When we laid a pup beside where Bernie was resting, she immediately fell in love and exclaimed “That’s my baby!“, adding that he was beautiful.
Huge thanks to Keris and Gary – this amazing gesture has brought so much joy not only to our residents, but to the entire Lukestone family and we are incredibly grateful for the thought and love shown towards our residents through these wonderful gifts.
