The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Two special residents moving to Kenmare Nursing Home
THE old nursery rhyme states that if you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise; well, replace ‘woods’ with St Joseph’s Nursing Home in Kenmare and add another surprise to the mix.
For this weekend at the nursing home, two new very special (and very hairy) residents will be rehomed on the grounds of the home.
Donkeys Duncan and Blake are the two cheeky characters in question and on Saturday, October 20, they will be rehomed this weekend from The Donkey Sanctuary at Liscarroll, Mallow, to the nursing home, where it is hoped that the two friends will interact with and bring happiness to all of the residents at St Joseph’s.
“Pet therapy is an integral part of life in St Joseph’s, our pet Labrador ‘Oran’ passed away last year aged 15, he was loved by everyone in the home. Many of our residents would have been raised on farms and some would even have had farms of their own so the donkeys will not only bring happiness and joy to our residents but also act as a tool for reminiscing,” said Person in Charge (PIC) at Kenmare Nursing Home, Emer Kidney.
“We have cleared three acres of land at the back of the nursing home and fenced it off whilst building wheelchair-friendly railed walkways so all residents will have access down to the donkeys. There is a great buzz around the place waiting for them to come,” she added.
Donkey welfare adviser from The Donkey Sanctuary Ciara Kelly recently visited the nursing home to check the suitability of the grounds, and after a thorough inspection, Ciara said that she was delighted to say that it was the perfect place for firm friends, Duncan Blake.
“We cannot underestimate the benefits to both donkeys and residents in spending regular time together.”