A HEARTWARMING visit to a Leeds hospice touched the hearts of healthcare workers and patients alike last week, as a llama and alpaca made a special appearance at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in Headingley to meet patients.
The therapy animals, Tobie and Gary, were brought along by Nidderdale Llamas and spread smiles and joy to all who met them as they petted and patted the pair.
The visit was arranged at the request of a patient receiving care at the Sue Ryder hospice, with all patients and visitors offered the opportunity to meet the animals.
Beryl was one of the patients who enjoyed the visit. She said: “I thought the experience was very calming and relaxing.”
Beryl’s daughter added: “I am so grateful for the opportunity for Mum to be in such close proximity with the llama and alpaca in the clover garden at the hospice. Mum has not been outside for three days and this visit gave her the motivation, and me the extra reason, to encourage her to go outside.
“We were outside together for some time afterwards with Mum in her wheelchair, enjoying the quiet space, the plants, the flowers and the trees.”
Sammy Tiffany is the therapy team manager at the hospice. She said: “Pet therapy at the hospice is invaluable, because whatever our patients and their family and friends might be going through, it takes them away from it all for a while.
“Pet therapy can help with motor skills, can bring back memories and help start conversations. It was really humbling to see so many of our patients stroking and talking to the pair.
“It was lovely to see some of our hospice staff, who work so tirelessly to provide their expert and compassionate care, enjoying some of the animal magic too.
“Thank you to the team at Nidderdale Llamas and to everyone at the hospice who helped make this visit possible. What we have witnessed here today is something really special and has made precious memories,” she added.
To find out more about Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice visit sueryder.org/wheatfields To find out more about Nidderdale Llamas visit nidderdalellams.org
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