Meet the 15-year-old Chihuahua who’s spent a decade spreading joy at an Essex care home

 

Colne View care home in Halstead has gone barking mad with celebrations for its beloved Canine Relations Manager, Lady, who marked a decade of dedicated service.

The 15-year-old Chihuahua, adopted by Customer Relations Manager Kim Richardson, has spent the last ten years bringing smiles, cuddles, and laughter to residents at the home. Known for her big personality in a tiny package, Lady is famous for inspecting visitors, strutting in her winter knitwear, and enjoying outdoor strolls with residents.

To mark the occasion, the team threw a party fit for their furry resident, complete with pupcakes and a display of photographs capturing Lady’s heartwarming moments over the years.

Lady’s visits offer more than just companionship—whether snuggling up with residents, or sparking fond memories of past pets, her presence is a cherished part of life at the home. Lady is also known to cuddle up in bed with residents (especially if the bed has a warm blanket). These are particularly important moments for those who are nursed in bed full time, as Lady provides a stimulating activity with her well-received visits.

Recognising the therapeutic power of animals for people living with dementia, Lady’s role highlights the importance of pets in care settings. And after ten years, this tail-wagging team member shows no signs of slowing down - except, perhaps, when it’s time to leave her home away from home.

Winsome Grimwood, 92, is a resident at Colne View, and said: “Lady is such a treasure, she spreads joy to everyone. We love seeing her every single day, we are so lucky to have her here.”

Kim Richardson, Senior Customer Relations Manager at Colne View, said: “It was incredibly special to celebrate Lady’s 10^th anniversary at the home alongside residents, with a party truly fit for a Lady! Colne View is Lady’s home away from home, and she spends most of her time here, bouncing up and down in the car on the way in and dragging her feet on the way out!

“Lady has become a local legend. First-time visitors often ask to meet her, and we even take her to other care homes for guest appearances! She’s an absolute star and brings so much happiness to everyone she meets. It has been a privilege to see how much of a positive impact Lady’s presence has been over the last decade. She’ll be getting an extra few cuddles to celebrate this milestone!”

Colne View is a care home designed to deliver the very best standards of care, and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home offers a range of services, including residential care, residential dementia care and respite care, and even has its own cinema, café and hair salon.