A LITTLE dog has been cheering up residents at a care home near Wellington.

Caramel has been visiting Nynehead Court once a month since before the pandemic.

He is the residents' official pat dog and has been vetted properly.

And because he’s small he can sit on the residents’ laps.

They love stroking him and having a chat with his owner, Rebecca.

Caramel drops by to see residents who don’t want to or can’t come out of their rooms, as well as those who are in the drawing room to see him.

A spokesperson for Nynehead Court said: "When any animal visits Nynehead Court, from horses to a tiny dog like Caramel, the benefits to the residents are clear to see.

"Many of our residents were dog owners themselves, so his presence immediately starts a conversation.

"We are very grateful to Rebecca and Caramel for their continued visits.”