RESIDENTS of a Llangollen Care Home experienced a very special visit from some furry (and not so furry) friends.

'Animal Encounters' provides a fully interactive animal experience, bringing petting and therapy to your front door.

Joanne Turner, 40, owner of Animal Encounters, has worked for the Powys and Denbigh Council for 23 years, working with young people in education and youth provision.

The Leader:

She was recently invited to attend the Old Vicarage in Llangollen with her animals.

She said: "Throughout my time, I've always had animals and it's been a good conversation starter. Then I looked more into the science behind it and learned that animals can specifically help and support people with ASD, panic and anxiety, low confidence, low mood, blood pressure, depression, and help with loneliness. 

"So, I finally made the jump with my two miniature shetlands, Nanw and Maya. We take them into homes and dementia groups, and they work wonders."

The Leader:

Dave Turner, her husband, has always bred reptiles and found that a lot of younger people loved them. This is how Animal Encounters was formed.

Joanne continues: "Now we get to take all of our animals and spend time with them, chatting to people and listening to their stories. They reminisce of their childhoods and the animals they had."

Animal Encounters, a family business from Corwen, brought a mixture of animals to the Old Vicarage and spent the afternoon meeting the residents.

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They all had an opportunity to meet the animals, having one-on-one time with them.

Joanna said nobody has to hold anything they don't want to, it's entirely optional. Yet, the residents of the Old Vicarage were keen to meet them all - including the reptiles.

All the animals are thoroughly taken care of, and Joanne is looking forward to watching her business grow in the future.