Joy as care home makes room for man’s best friend
RECUPERATING PENSIONER WAS DISTRAUGHT AT BEING WITHOUT HIS COMPANION
A PENSIONER who was forced to put his faithful canine companion in kennels is a “new man” after being reunited with him.
David Robson, 70, was left “down and depressed” when health problems meant he had to move away from his 11-year-old border collie Harry.
After spending five months in hospital suffering from severe infections and having a leg amputated, he hated the idea of leaving his pet alone again, but continuing ill health meant he had to move into Allan Court Care Home, in Benwell.
David, who has lived all his life in Kenton and worked in breweries as a younger man, adopted Harry as a puppy to help him cope with his heartbreak following the death of his girlfriend, Lucy. They’ve been inseparable ever since. Home manager Marie Clifford said: “I was sent to assess David after he’d been discharged from hospital. He told me he wasn’t going anywhere without his dog. I persuaded him to come and stay with us while we got things sorted, but I could see how much he loved Harry.
“He’s had this dog for 11 years. He’s all he’s got, and I just thought, ‘This is what care is about – we have to find a way to keep them together.’
“I believe good care needs to be personcentred and planned around the person’s needs and wishes. As care home providers, we plan holistically, looking at an individual’s mental and social factors, as well as medical.”
Harry had to stay in kennels while Marie organised vet checks, risk assessments and ensured the home would be safe for both Harry, David, and the other residents.
Although David’s physical condition improved he was “distraught” without his pet – but two weeks later, everything was in place and the two were reunited. Harry now has his very own care plan, just like the human residents, with staff organising a schedule to ensure he is fed and walked enough.
And it’s made the world of difference to David.
Marie said: “Since we brought the dog in he’s a new man. He’s been going outside more, he seems really different. He was properly down and depressed without him.
“When they were reunited it was so emotional. There was a lot of organising to bring Harry in, but it was worth it.
“Fiercely independent” David is looking forward to getting himself and Harry home, but says he’s enjoyed his stay since his beloved hound came to join him.
David said: “I’m grateful for the help and support he has received since coming into Allan Court.
“I’ve vowed that Harry and I are not going to be separated again.”