RESIDENTS AGREE – EEYORE TO BE AMBASSADOR

A relative of Winnie the Pooh best friend’s Eeyore has become a big hit with residents of care homes in Carmarthenshire.

In fact, Enoch, an all grey 22-year-old donkey, has been such a charming hit with the residents at Llanybydder’s Allt-y-Mynydd care home that they are voting for him to become the UK’s Donkey Ambassador, a prestigious national award made annually.

Enoch meanders round the 44 resident strong Ashberry Healthcare Ltd home with his minder Ann Slater in and out of residents’ rooms to be hugged, stroked and kissed by his adoring fans.

Enoch was introduced to the home by Ann’s company Animal Assisted Therapy Wales (AAT), based at Llandeilo, and has become a regular visitor county wide to hospitals, day centres, nursing homes, schools, shows, events, nativities and parades since he was acquired from the Devon Donkey Sanctuary 10 years ago.

Roberta Evans, social activities officer at Allt-y-Mynydd, said: “Enoch switches on residents smiles as soon as he enters the room. Many of our residents have dementia and Enoch helps to stimulate the minds.”

A retired science school teacher of 30 years, 90-year-old resident Brian Pritchard said: “Enoch makes my day. He is an amazing animal. We are blessed at this fantastic home to have him and his stable-mate Polo visit us so often because they live nearby.”

Council Executive Board Member for Social Care and Health Cllr Jane Tremlett said there were 32 residential homes across the county and a total of 1,300 beds.

“There are so many bold and inspirational ideas incorporated into the homes’ residents’ daily lives providing magical moments like these,” she added.