Charity, Poole | Posted on January 26th, 2026 | return to news

Parkstone care home raises money for donkey sanctuary

Donkeys Annie and Dainty visited the Care South care home to collect the £250 raised over Christmas.

A 104-year-old care home resident was reunited with two furry faces at a Parkstone care home earlier this month.

Annie and Dainty from West Hill Donkeys visited Alexandra House, which is run by not-for-profit care provider Care South, to collect a £250 donation raised by the care home at its Christmas fayre.

This was not the first time the donkeys had come to the care home, as they had previously visited in November 2025 to fulfil resident Eileen’s birthday wish to meet some donkeys.

Eileen was thrilled to see the gentle animals again. She said: “I loved them. I love all animals. It reminded me of the local donkey that I used to feed near where I lived.”

Afterwards, Annie and Dainty, who can usually be found on Weymouth beach in the summer months, went round to the communal lounges of the home to greet more of the residents, as well as visiting individual residents’ bedrooms.

Anne, who also lives at Alexandra House, said: “I was so excited to see them. I would really love to have a donkey. I used to enjoy going to visit the donkeys in Sidmouth, so it was nice for some to come and visit us.”

Melanie Lewellyn, who runs West Hill Donkeys, received the £250 donation from Lana Wright, home manager at Alexandra House, Nicola Hook, activities lead, and some of the home’s residents. Melanie said: “We are so grateful for Alexandra House’s generous fundraising towards the care and upkeep of Annie and Dainty, who enjoy providing therapy animal visits for the home’s residents.

“As they travel around the home, they often encourage conversation between the residents, who will share happy memories of seeing donkeys on the beach as children. It was a special moment to see Eileen’s face light up as the donkeys trotted into the home to see her again.”

The care home regularly welcomes animal visitors, including dogs, Shetland ponies and a range of reptiles. Residents also take minibus trips to visit local farms and animal rescue charities.

Alexandra House provides residential, respite and dementia care to residents. A dedicated on-site activities team organises a daily programme of events to bring residents together to socialise and build friendships. To find out more, visit care-south.co.uk or call Care South on 01202 712410.