Hill View Care Home Welcomes Children and Animals for a Joyful Afternoon

Adorable animals raised the spirits of care home residents and had youngsters giggling with joy after staff at Hill View Care Home.

Tots from Brooklands Nursery joined the residents as bunnies, baby chicks, guinea pigs and a duck arrived from the petting zoo Bunny Luv.

For resident Georgina Duncan, 89, the visit had a profound impact on her day.

“It was also wonderful when Mum got to hold one of the bunnies and to see the way stroking him was therapeutic and stimulating. I felt very happy to share that moment with her.”

For many residents who used to own pets, the day was equally joyous and emotional for those who missed their furry friends.

George Corbett, 65, said: “I used to have a dog called Brandy, so it was really nice to be in the company of animals again.

“My daughter and granddaughter came along, and I held some of the chicks, which was very enjoyable.”

For former GP and German Shepherd owner Gerry McKay, 86, it was the serenity and calm of the animals that made the visit extra special.

Gerry said: “The guinea pig I held just fell asleep on my lap and I didn’t have to do anything, it was a very calm and pleasant experience.”

Zena Feal-Martinez, Hill View activities co-ordinator, said that the residents couldn’t stop talking about how wonderful it was to hold the precious creatures.

She said: “It was a magical afternoon, and it made many of us very emotional to see the profound impact holding the animals had on the residents.

“It’s wonderful when we can create experiences that they can share with family members and the children.

“We’d like to thank Bunny Luv for making the afternoon so special for all of us.”

This story was originally published in the Clydebank Post