Seasonal visit: Rosemary Wray, a resident at Colten Care’s Newstone House in Sturminster Newton, welcomes former beach donkey Jasmine to her room.
A retired beach donkey captured hearts when she paid a seasonal visit to a North Dorset care home.
Jasmine was a firm favourite on Weymouth beach for many years and even met The Queen when the monarch visited the resort in 2009.
Now aged 38, Jasmine proved a huge hit when she toured Colten Care’s Newstone House in Sturminster Newton.
She met residents in the home’s main lounge and also visited individual rooms.
Among the people she met was Rita Woodhouse, 98, who used to own a donkey and described Jasmine as “gorgeous,”
Imogen Deacon, Activities Organiser, said: “This was Jasmine’s second visit to Newstone House. It’s one of our most popular activities.
“Her background as a beach donkey means she loves people and is very sociable. The residents love meeting her.”
Jasmine is owned by West Hill Donkeys which operates the famous Weymouth beach donkeys.
Custodian Melanie Rush said: “She’s our most senior donkey and something of a grand old lady with a lovely temperament.
“Jasmine is used to being at the centre of attention and enjoys company so is perfect for visiting care homes. It’s lovely to see the pleasure she brings, particularly if the residents used to own animals.”
Note to journalists: With more than 30 years’ experience, Colten Care is an award-winning family-owned care home company. It has 20 quality care homes covering Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and Sussex and offers a range of services spanning residential, nursing and dementia care. Colten Care is determined to set the highest standards in all aspects of care of the older person. Colten Care is also committed to raising money for charitable causes. In 2015, Colten Care residents and team members raised nearly £32,000 for charity.
Media contact: Please contact Andrew Diprose, Director, Deep South Media, tel: 01202 534487 or email: andrew.diprose@deepsouthmedia.co.uk
