A PAIR of guinea pigs visited a Thatcham care home to provide therapeutic activities for the residents to enjoy.

The two animals often visit the residents at Thatcham Court Bupa Care Home, who have become particularly fond of them.

Peanut and Rocky joined the care home family a year ago, with Peanut named after his small size and Rocky named after his colour.

Peter Tilling facilitates three pet therapy sessions a week with residents welcome to cuddle, play and sit with the guinea pigs on their laps. The sessions promote wellbeing, helping the residents to relax.

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Alongside the pet therapy sessions, residents are welcome to visit Peanut and Rocky in their little home in Thatcham Court’s garden, where they enjoy watching them run and play.

Peter Tilling, senior activities coordinator, said: “It is so heart-warming to see the huge impact that Rocky and Peanut have on our residents, the benefits to the wellbeing of our residents is huge and it is wonderful to see how much they smile and laugh when cuddling the guinea pigs.”

Whilst all the residents enjoy the pet therapy sessions, for two residents, Peggy Bosley and Sarah Reid, the sessions have real significance.

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Resident Sarah adores Rocky and Peanut, even offering to care for them when Peter leaves for the day.

If Sarah ever feels down, the naughty guinea pig duo always help to put a smile on her face.

Rocky and Peanut also spark a lot of joy for resident Peggy, as they bring back fond childhood memories of the guinea pigs she had as pets as a child.

Their mischievous nature also reminds Peggy of a bossy duck that used to chase her around when she was growing up!

Peter added: “Their naughty nature is definitely a source of much hilarity here at Thatcham Court!”

Thatcham Court offers its residents a range of other wellbeing-oriented activities, including monthly visits from a therapy dog named Stanley, as they commit to enriching the lives of their residents.

Thatcham Court Bupa Care Home is situated in Thatcham, Berkshire and welcomes residents in need of nursing or residential care, including those living with dementia and Parkinson’s.