AN ANIMAL-loving Worcester care home resident had her wish to rekindle her love for guide dogs come true.
When the team at Perry Manor, on Charles Hasting Way, learned that 81-year-old Joan Hole worked for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association for 15 years in her youth, they were determined to organise a surprise visit from some four-legged friends.
In her 30s, Joan began working for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, where she bred, walked and cared for puppies and retired guide dogs while they were rehomed.
Joan has always been an animal lover and also had many cats and a dog of her own called Falcon.
She said: “I loved all elements of the job, even though it was very hard at times. I took the job on because I had small children at the time and the puppies brought my family a lot of joy.”
To help Joan fulfil her wish, the team organised for two ambassador dogs, Wooster and Will, from Guide Dogs to pay a visit. Joan and the other residents spent an afternoon fussing over them while listening to an informative talk from Catherine Prindezis, from the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.
Joan continued: “It reminded me of all the good days and makes me want to do it again now I’m retired.”
Home manager Katherine Matthews added: “Joan loves to talk about the years she spent breeding and caring for elderly guide dogs, so when she shared that she would love to spend an afternoon with the pooches, the team knew they had to make it happen.
“Joan, along with many other residents had dogs in their younger years so it was a wonderful opportunity to encourage reminiscence of much-loved family pets.”
