A GENTLE giant is proving to be a big hit with residents at a city care home.
Bentley, a Pets As Therapy dog, regularly visits Cranham Residential Care Home in Warndon.
Staff are hoping to use the Bernese Mountain dog as an example of the therapeutic value of animals for people of all ages during Mental Health Awareness Week which began on Monday (May 12).
Home manager Cindy Hawkins initially contacted Pets As Therapy because she thought one particularly shy resident would benefit from visits by a PAT dog.
Bentley, who tips the scales at eight-and-a-half-stone, was so popular that a year later he still visits the home every week.
Cindy said: “The residents absolutely love him and it is amazing to see him with them. Every Tuesday morning they ask if he is coming in and really look forward to his visits – of all the activities they enjoy here, seeing Bentley is a real highlight for them.
“The therapeutic value of animals is undeniable – stroking him is so relaxing. Some of our residents owned dogs before they decided to move here so Bentley gives them a wonderful sense of continuity and comfort.”