Guvnor has a special connection with horse owner Ruth Askey-Doran’s father, Phil.
© Nathalie Fernback
By Nathalie Fernbach and Hannah Palmer
You might expect to see wheelchairs and walking frames in the corridors of an aged care facility, but you might not expect to see a 850-kilogram horse.
Guvnor, or “Guv”, is a Clydesdale-cross-Percheron and has regularly been visiting two Townsville aged care homes offering residents the opportunity to cuddle, pat and kiss him as part of an animal therapy program.
“This gave me a sense of purpose, gave me something I could do to help and to bring a bit of joy and bring joy and enrichment to Dad,” she said.
Ms Askey-Doran’s dad, Phil Askey-Doran, moved into care when his dementia developed.
Guv and Mr Askey-Doran developed a special connection and Ms Askey-Doran said on the days she brought the horse to visit, her father was more responsive…
Click here to read the rest of the article as it appears on the ABC Rural News website.
Source: ABC Rural News
READ THE LATEST NEWS ARTICLES HERE
