A Day in the Life #13 – Billie’s Story
In the thirteenth of our ‘Day in the Life’ series of Bayswood Blogs, I find out about Dane View’s much-loved doggie, Billie.
Billie is a dog whose role at Dane View encompasses a variety of jobs – carer, exercise guru, hooverer of dropped food, exponent of therapeutic treatments, and giver of end-of-life support. Although Billie was named after Leicester Tiger and England rugby union star, Billie Twelvetrees, she is in fact a girl dog.
Billie’s association with the care home goes way back in November 2010, when the now Deputy Manager, Sam, and her husband, Joe, decided they wanted a dog. Joe visited the RSPCA Woodside, Leicester. Among the rows of caged dogs, one stood out for Joe – he liked Billie’s placid nature and puppy dog eyes. But taking her would be a risk, because Billie was already a year old and had been found abandoned on a roadside. Not all dogs recover well from such traumas.
Joe sent Sam a photo of Billie from his mobile and she agreed they should take on the young dog. What followed was a series of rigorous checks by the RSPCA to confirm their suitability as owners. They then had two meetings with Billie to take her on walks. Billie remained calm and happy, and it was agreed they could adopt her – that was the point at which they named the dog, Billie.
Joe tested dropping Billie off so the dog could spend time at Dane View. Sam quickly discovered that Billie’s temperament was good enough to allow for safe interaction with residents. And Billie soon realised that if she laid down under tables, residents would give her tasty treats, like bits of bacon from their breakfast. Sam says, ‘The treats were not the healthy options we gave Billie at home, but you cannot blame her for trying it on a bit. Billie’s got those big puppy eyes and uses them to her advantage!’
Billie’s part-time ‘house dog’ role changed on 21st February 2022, when Sam started bringing her in for full days. Billie took on more responsibilities to become a full-time staff member at Dane View.
Sam says, ‘When I passed my driving test, I decided to bring her in with me. Billie already knew some of the residents and was comfortable around noise and mobility aids – so she settled in easily. Residents, their families and staff all love Billie. She is such a gentle and sweet-natured dog, even people who don’t usually stroke dogs like to interact with Billie.’
Billie recently demonstrated a remarkable sixth sense to comfort a resident approaching the end of her life. Billie didn’t want to leave the resident’s side, preferring instead to cuddle up and put a paw on the lady’s arm. The situation was as touching as it was poignant.
It is maybe Billie’s special doggie awareness that makes her so popular with residents. Billie gives lots of loving therapy and, in return, residents give her strokes and walks.
Billie is now 14 and looking good for her years. She may have slowed down a bit, but is as friendly and approachable as ever. She continues to participate in home activities, and particularly loves Christmas – as the photo attached to this article demonstrates.
Sam says, ‘Everyone loves Billie, and we hope there’s plenty of life in the old dog yet.’
Interview by Kelly Farrington