Chester: Therapy dog helps Grosvenor Manor care home residents to speak French!

Clever as she is, it’s not the friendly pooch herself giving language lessons but her owner Susan Caddell, who is a retired teacher.

The pair now visit the 81-bed Grosvenor Manor on Heath Lane, Great Boughton, every two weeks providing hours of fun.

Lisa Forth, activities coordinator, said: “When we discovered that Sue was a retired French teacher, we immediately asked her if she would teach the residents French.

“It is such a great day when Meg and Sue come to Grosvenor Manor. The residents have big smiles on their faces when Meg is around and then for days after we hear ‘merci’ and ‘s’il vous plait’ and ‘bonjour’ which is just wonderful.

“Their regular visits lift the mood of the residents and are so rewarding.”

Contact with animals is known to have a positive effect on people, including those with dementia, offering companionship, emotional comfort and stimulation.

Susan said: “Meg is very much a part of our family and is a busy and active dog. She has represented our Flyball Club and Therapy Dogs Nationwide at Crufts, has her own passport and shares all of our hobbies, interests and holidays.

“But perhaps her most endearing quality is her empathy with people, her “sixth sense” of knowing when she needs to be calm and gentle. She loves to represent Therapy Dogs Nationwide at Grosvenor Manor and seems to know that when we put on our uniform, she has a job to do.

“We are made so welcome at this lovely home that it is a real pleasure and an honour for us to visit.”

Open for almost 12 months, Grosvenor Manor is run by New Care and offers residential, nursing and dementia care services.