In light of Aged Care Employee Day (ACED) on Thursday August 7, Whiddon has put a focus on celebrating the therapy animals who bring comfort, connection and joy to aged care homes across the country.
Whiddon Narrabri are lucky to have a special visitor join the community on site.
Roy, a gentle and well-travelled miniature Schnauzer, is no ordinary pet – but the unofficial Chief Happiness Officer (CHO) at Whiddon, travelling from home to home alongside his owner and partner-in-care, relief chef, Lloyd McLetchie.
“Roy and I are from Kurri Kurri NSW.
“We travel around NSW and Queensland to provide relief to Whiddon aged care homes whenever head chefs are unavailable,” Lloyd said.
“Keeping the catering teams running smoothly until they return.”
Together, the wholesome pair spent the past 12 months delivering much more than meals.
They bring presence, playfulness, and heartfelt connection to residents in rural communities across NSW.
Lloyd and Roy’s story is at the heart of Whiddon’s new ‘Best Friends at Work’ campaign, a joyful tribute to the bonds between aged care employees and the animals who support them in homes, hallways and hearts across the organisation.
The campaign highlights the heart and impact of Whiddon’s broader Creature Comforts program. As Whiddon’s dedicated animal wellbeing initiative, Creature Comforts has been thoughtfully co-designed with residents and families and brings a variety of animals into homes.
The program introduces a variety of pets tailored to each community’s preferences, from therapy dogs and cats to chickens and aviary birds, recognising the profound positive impact animals have in aged care settings.
“One special moment sticks out when I was working at our Wee Waa facility and a gentleman who absolutely loves dogs.
“Before moving into the Whiddon home, he would visit dog parks and pat strangers’ dogs as he was never allowed pets in the flats where he used to live.
“So, when I went to visit this gentleman, you could not wipe the smile off his face.
“He was so appreciative to spend a few minutes with Roy, it was such a special moment,” Lloyd said.
Known for his nose kisses, perfectly timed paw shakes, and a calming presence which puts everyone at ease, Roy is a therapy dog with a difference.
He doesn’t just visit – he becomes part of the home.
“Roy just lights people up, he makes my job easier,” Lloyd said. “The moment he walks in, people smile, they relax, it’s like he brings a bit of home with him.”
