There were smiles, laughter and plenty of cuddles when a very special visitor trotted into a Dorking care home - and he was anything but sheepish.
Steve the sheep proved to be the star of the day when he stopped by Dorking Manor Care Home, Ridgeway Road, bringing comfort, cuddles and a whole lot of joy to residents.
Resident Ann Chester, aged 82, was first in line for a hug. She said: “I couldn’t wait to give Steve a big cuddle.
“This was such a treat, and to be able to give him a lovely hug was the greatest delight - I didn’t want to let him go.”
Steve wasn’t the only four-legged celebrity making the rounds. The visit, organised by Kelly’s Donkeys, also included Percy the donkey, Micky the Shetland pony, and a selection of smaller furry friends, including rabbits and guinea pigs.
For resident Mo Dunham, 81, the biggest surprise of the day came with a knock on the door and a pony on the other side.
She said: “I couldn’t believe it when I heard the knock, and then in my room was a Shetland pony.
“It was such a wonderful surprise. We would gladly welcome him in again.”
The cheerful animal invasion is all part of Dorking Manor’s wellbeing programme, which regularly brings animals into the home to brighten residents’ days.
Wellbeing and Lifestyle Coach Kirstyn Box said the impact of the visits is immediate and heart-warming.
She added: “Animals have a wonderful way of connecting with people. They don’t just bring comfort, they bring smiles, laughter and moments of pure joy.”
