WHEN it comes to entertaining residents at Sharston House care home in Knutsford, lhasa apso/shih tzu Milo has got it licked.

David Costa, manager at Sharston House nursing home, in Manor Park South, said the Pets as Therapy (PAT) charity has been brilliant for the home.

“Milo is having a very positive effect and many of our residents now really look forward to his Wednesday visits,” he said.

“Most residents had dogs earlier in their life and Milo’s visits bring back happy memories of their own pets.

“People living with dementia find it easier to remember things from their younger days, rather than more recently, and many people have pets during their childhood.

“Being able to pet a dog is a very relaxing and enjoyable experience for them.”

Milo’s owner Irene Morrell, a retired carer who lives in Knutsford, has no doubts that Milo is the perfect tonic for care home residents.

She said: “One of the residents gets really excited to see Milo, another loves him to sit on his knee.

“Sometimes, they get a bit emotional because they had dogs in their past.”

Mrs Morrell said Milo was equally keen to visit his new friends at Sharston House.

“When I am driving down the road he starts barking because he knows where he is going,” she said.

She said the reason she registered with PAT was that Milo had the perfect temperament, being very calm and friendly.

Before being accepted as a PAT dog able to visit care homes Milo had to go through an assessment to check he would fit the role.

Pet owners interested in volunteering their dog through PAT can call the charity on 01494 569130.