Heartwarming Moments from Our Latest Pause With Paws Care Home Session

Today’s Pause With Paws session brought a wave of warmth and joy to everyone involved. Watching residents and staff share smiles and gentle moments with our calm, loving dogs reminded us why these visits matter so much. The simple act of cuddling a dog sparked laughter, happy tears, and heartfelt connections that brightened the whole care home.

The Power of Animal-Assisted Support in Care Homes

Animal-assisted support offers more than just companionship. It creates moments of calm and comfort that can improve emotional wellbeing. During today’s session, we spent time with bedbound residents, bringing our calmest pups right to their side. These visits allowed residents who might otherwise feel isolated to experience the joy of connection.

Many residents found their “special” dog, and the dogs seemed to choose their person too. This mutual bond is a beautiful reminder of how animals can sense and respond to individual needs. One resident became emotional, shedding happy tears while stroking a dog’s soft fur. Moments like this show how powerful these interactions can be.

How Staff and Residents Benefit Together

The session wasn’t just meaningful for residents. Staff members also enjoyed the dogs so much that some are now considering getting their own pets. This shows how animal-assisted visits can boost morale and wellbeing for everyone in the care environment.

Laughter filled the room as residents and staff shared jokes about “stealing” each other’s favourite dogs. These light-hearted moments help build a sense of community and ease daily stresses.

Creating Calm and Comfort Through Connection

Pause With Paws focuses on gentle connection. Our visits are designed to create a calm atmosphere where people feel safe and supported. The dogs’ presence encourages relaxation and positive emotions, which can be especially valuable in care settings.

Here are some ways these sessions support wellbeing:

• Reducing feelings of loneliness by providing companionship

• Encouraging social interaction through shared experiences

• Lowering stress and anxiety with calming animal contact

• Boosting mood through serotonin released during cuddling

• Offering comfort to those with limited mobility or communication

  
  

Bringing Pause With Paws to Your Community

If you work in a care home, special educational needs (SEN) setting, wellbeing service, or community group, you might consider inviting Pause With Paws to visit. Our sessions are tailored to meet the needs of the people you support, creating moments of joy and calm that make a real difference.

We would love to bring these heart-warming experiences to your community. Please get in touch to learn more about how we can support your residents, students, or clients with animal-assisted care.

Charlotte - Pause With Paws