Care home tortoise wins national award

Regee a two-year-old Russian Horsefield Tortoise, is a beloved resident of Anchor’s Eric Morecambe House care home on Harrow Grove and has been named Anchor’s Pet of the Month for October!

Regee is a bit of a legend at Anchor’s Eric Morecambe House. He has become a delightful companion to the residents who all enjoy making a fuss over him.

Eric Morecambe house adopted Regee from an Anchor colleague and has very happily settled into life at the home. Residents enjoy playing and caring for Regee, as well as feeding him his favourite treats such as dandelions. Visitors also love spending time with Regee as well!

Stephanie Webster, Manager of Anchor’s Eric Morecambe House care home, said: “Regee’s an absolute star. He’s a lovely pet and really makes everyone’s day. He absolutely loves cuddles, and our residents love him!

“We love animals like Regee at Anchor’s Eric Morecambe House care home. Studies have shown that the health of our residents improve when they interact with animals like Regee. Some of our residents have their own pets, but we also have regular visits from the pets of colleagues and other visitors too.”

Betty Godfrey aged 95, who has lived at Anchor’s Eric Morecambe House care home for five years, said: “I absolutely love Regee, I think everyone does! He’s great fun and a real character.

“I used to have tortoises, and I’ve always loved animals, so it’s lovely to have Regee around. Tortoises make great pets and have a lot of charm to them. It’s honestly so great that Anchor’s Eric Morecambe House is so pet friendly!”

Anchor’s Eric Morecambe House, like all Anchor properties, encourages older people to bring pets with them when they move in. Recently, Anchor became the first national housing provider to be awarded platinum from the RSPCA at their annual PawPrints Award for continuing to support pet-owning residents at their properties.