Back from ‘fur’ lough – Aberdeen care home resident reunited with much loved four-legged friend afte

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May 21, 2021

An Aberdeen care home resident was delighted to be reunited with a very special visitor after a year apart.

88-year-old resident William, from Care UK’s Tor Na Dee, on North Deeside Road, was thrilled to hear the sound of barking once again when he was reunited with best friend Archie the Labrador after a year apart.  

Six-and-a-half-year-old Archie belongs to William’s son, Craig, and William spent a lot of time looking after him before moving into Tor Na Dee. The pair have an extremely close bond, and when William had a series of strokes at his home, Archie was found each time, right by his side.

Due to the pandemic, animals have been unable to visit the care home for the last year, meaning William and Archie haven’t seen one another in person. As restrictions eased, William was delighted to hear the surprise sound of paw-steps as Archie made his long-awaited return to Tor Na Dee last week.  

Maureen Barrett, Home Manager at Tor Na Dee, explained the benefits of pet therapy: “Studies have shown that animals can help lift people’s mood and increase social interaction, as well as provide companionship for older people.

“William has really missed Archie, especially as they share such a close bond, and it was wonderful to see them finally reunited in the garden. Judging by Archie’s wagging tail and obvious excitement to see William again, we think he’s happy to be back too!”

Tor Na Dee provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema room and hairdressers, and there is plenty of space both indoors and out for relaxation and recreation.

For more information on Tor Na Dee, please call Home Manager, Maureen Barrett on 0122 404 2731, or email Maureen.barrett@careuk.com

For more general information, please go to careuk.com/Tor-Na-Dee