Playful Dalmatian, Ayanda, and her owner, Sonja Shepherd, regularly bring cheer to the residents of BCG’s Coupar Angus care home as volunteers for Therapet.

The duo are currently celebrating Ayanda’s ten years with the Scotland-wide charity. Sonja’s loyal companion was even honoured with a medal in a rare distinction for a four-legged friend, for serving her community for a decade.

Although she started her time as a Therapet in Dundee, Ayanda has been a visitor to the Coupar Angus home for most of her life. Continuing the legacy, her 7-year-old daughter, Kina, has also taken up the calling.

Sonja, who also previously worked as a carer at the home, said:

“Ayanda started coming to see Coupar Angus residents in 2015 and she’s still going strong. Me and the dogs get so much out of these visits. We always have. The only reason we do it is to make the residents happy. It’s the kind of joy and experience that you just can’t buy.

“It brings out the best in people. You might have residents who don’t ordinarily chat so much, who’ll open up when they see one of the dogs. Sometimes it can bring good memories back. And if the residents have their families there as well, they can all have a special moment to interact together.”

Coupar Angus Home Manager, Kirsty Stevens, said: “Our residents – and staff – adore their visits from Ayanda and Kina and look forward to giving claps and sharing treats. Some of the interactions the dogs draw out from the residents are just lovely. Here’s to many more magic moments!”

For more information about BCG visit www.balhousiecare.co.uk

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Photo captions:

Ayanda with her medal

Ayanda with her owner, Sonja Shepherd

For media enquiries please contact David Kerr or Melanie Brockway on: David.Kerr@balhousiecare.co.uk or Melanie.Brockway@balhousiecare.co.uk
Or call 01738 254 254

About BCG

BCG – formerly Balhousie Care Group – was formed over 30 years ago to fill a gap in quality residential care in central and North East Scotland. Today, with 25 homes, providing care to over 900 residents and employing over 1400 team members, it is one of the leading providers of care for older persons in Scotland, along with specialist dementia and Huntington’s care, care for young adults with a diagnosed learning disability and a Youth Physical Disability service.

Owned by AcalisCare, BCG prides itself on its person-centred approach to care and inclusivity: putting people right at the heart of everything they do.

Their person-centred approach to care, innovative practices and close community links have made them a trusted name in care and earned them a swathe of awards.

In 2024 one of their nurses achieved Care Home Nurse of the Year in the RCN Awards, Scotland.

In 2023 they achieved four finalists in the Scottish Care Awards, winning the Training, Learning and Staff Development Award. BCG were also finalists in four categories of the UK-wide Housing with Care Awards, winning the award for Supported Housing Innovation.

In 2022, BCG took home three Courier Business Awards, including the prestigious Business of the Year, a Great British Care Award, a Scottish Care award and an s1Jobs Shine Award.