Residents in ee-awe of Rusty

SPECIAL visitor . . . Rusty arrives at the home

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

MEMORIES of donkey rides on Blackpool beach came flooding back for residents at Shawside Nursing Home when a special visitor walked through the doors.

Rusty the donkey trotted all the way from the Donkey Sanctuary in Manchester to spend a few hours with residents at the home in Oldham Road, Shaw.

Comfort

And he proved the mane attraction for residents who took a trip down memory lane while petting the gentle beast and remembering their own family holidays at popular beach resorts.

Rusty, who loves the company of older people, is one of two donkeys who regularly visits care homes, hospices and schools across Greater Manchester as part of therapeutic sessions for children and older people.

The specially-trained donkeys not only offer companionship and comfort to elderly residents but also love the warmth and affection they get from them.

Christine Ford, senior activity co-ordinator at Shawside, said the visits are proving so popular that the home is having to book Rusty and his pals months in advance.

She said: "We have a visit from the donkey sanctuary every year and it makes the residents so happy. They are thrilled when Rusty comes to say hello and they love being able to stroke him, even if they are bed bound.

"He pops into their bedrooms to be petted and really enjoys the attention.

"It's bringing a bit of Blackpool to the home and gets them all talking about holidays."