Mischievous guinea pigs lift spirits in pet therapy at Thatcham Court care home

Two new, rather furry, residents by the names of Peanut and Rocky are lending laughter to a care home in Thatcham.

The two guinea pigs joined Thatcham Court Bupa Care, on Chapel Street, last year and have been a part of the new and much enjoyed pet therapy sessions.

Three sessions take place per week, organised by senior activities coordinator Peter Tilling, where residents can play with the pets.

Cuddles of course aren’t limited to the sessions however. Peanut and Rocky, who were donated to the home by staff member Lucy Martin, can spent quality time with the residents whenever needed.

Mr Tilling 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.”

Mr Tilling, who recently found himself soaked after attempting to bath Peanut, added: “Their naughty nature is definitely a source of much hilarity here at Thatcham Court.

“I think the residents found it amusing quite how soaked I got and that after all the chaos, Peanut and Rocky still sat smugly and enjoyed being dried off with a hair dryer.”

While all the residents enjoy the pet therapy sessions, two residents find that the sessions have real significance.

Sarah Reid offers to care for the guinea pigs when Peter leaves for the day. If she 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 Peggy Bosley, as they bring back fond childhood memories of the guinea pigs she had as pets as a child.