The Royal Star & Garter Home in Surbiton recently welcomed some wonderful four-legged visitors. Last month the disabled veterans at the Home had a visit from Mr Cheddar, a miniature Palomino pony.

Caroline, his handler from Pony Pals, explained that Mr Cheddar comes complete with a leather ‘nappy’, just in case. The residents absolutely adored him, brushing his mane, stroking him or just sitting and feeling his breath on them, creating magical and comforting moments.

PAT dogs, which are trained to be calm and people-friendly, also visit our Homes. Bear, the PAT Dog, who has been coming in to see our residents regularly, has a story of his own. Dodi, his owner, is a vet in Guildford and explained that Bear was rescued from Romania where he had been a street dog. It’s hard to believe that Bear had such a difficult time when he brings such happiness to our residents.