February 04, 2026 - 170 views
A dog-loving pensioner says her fluffy four-legged friend was “destined to spread happiness” after he became a huge hit with care home residents in North Wales.
Six-year-old Cavapoo Ned quickly became a firm favourite at Pendine Park’s Bryn Seiont Newydd home in Caernarfon where his visits have been bringing smiles, laughter and comfort over the past few months.
His owner, retired teacher Helen Owen, says the gentle-natured cross between a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel and a poodle seems to have a special gift for lifting spirits wherever he goes.
And it as only after seeing the reaction he got from local schoolchildren that Helen realised Ned’s calm, friendly personality could make him perfect for a bigger role – as a therapy dog helping people young and old.
Helen explained: “I regularly go into one of the local schools, where I used to work, to assist with reading classes for the pupils. But it was when I was out walking Ned and we bumped into some of those pupils that it really dawned on me how good he is with both children and adults.”
Soon afterwards Helen was in a local cafe with Ned and got talking to a fellow customer.
She said: “I was telling this kind lady all about my idea and she suggested that Ned had such a good temperament that he would make a great therapy dog. It turned out that she was actually an assessor for the charity Therapy Dogs Nationwide.
“The crux of the story is that Ned and I were encouraged to join and we have been having a great time since.”
Wearing his bright yellow Therapy Dogs Nationwide cravat Ned has now been successfully assessed and is approved to visit Bryn Seiont Newydd.
According to enrichment practitioner Elliw Owen Jones, the popular pooch has become great pals with some of the residents who hugely enjoy his visits.
She said: “It is wonderful to see how their faces light up when Ned walks into the room. What is especially moving are the reactions from some of the more reticent residents who may not normally join in other leisure activities which we undertake.
“While they may sit back quietly in sing-a-longs or art, they are visibly excited to see Ned and he in turn is so gentle with them. It is just lovely.”
Helen and Ned have been visiting Bryn Seiont Newydd regularly for about two and a half months and they both enjoy the time spent with residents.
“It is rewarding for me and I feel we are contributing to the well-being of residents, some of whom may have been pet owners in the past but nowadays do not often get to see animals,” said Helen.
“My mother lived with dementia for a number of years so I understand the challenges many residents face. We are happy to be able to inject some extra joy into their days even if just for a short visit.”
Led by Helen, Ned will tour the social lounges at Bryn Seiont Newydd, but if a resident is unable to get to the lounge for any reason and wants to see Ned, they will also go to their room for a few minutes to say hello.
Helen said: “It’s amazing what a difference Ned can make, just a little nudge of his nose can inspire a smile.”
Bryn Seiont Newydd resident Eve Flint, who had pet dogs of her own in years gone by, said she was thrilled to meet Ned.
She said: “He’s lovely, so fluffy and friendly.”
Raymond Johnson was enjoying a visit from his son Philip when Ned popped in to greet them.
Philip said: “It’s a great idea to have therapy dogs like this. You can really see the pleasure it brings to dad and other residents.”
Another resident, Tony Fincken, described Ned as ‘beautiful’, while Sidney Bowen said he would love to be able to take Ned a walk, and with Helen’s help, he had a go at holding his lead, and patting him
