Newport Shepherds bring joy to nursing home residents
THE Newport Shepherds are on a nationwide mission to give back to the elderly.
They have recently started to visit nursing homes. And with many residents having been raised on farms and been farmers themselves, The Newport Shepherds have been bringing a little extra happiness and joy to residents and care staff.
Shepherds Alan Moran and Andes born Paul Walker are committed to caring for, protecting and enhancing our nation’s heritage.
Having perfected their skills on the hills of Newport and in the Andes, their sheepdog training and demonstration business offers a unique experience for all residents.
Residents can enjoy their mobile pet farm, be part of live sheepdog demonstrations, and witness traditional farming methods that have been handed down through generations.
Paul Walker explained: “I learned everything I know from an old man named Pedro Andrade who lived in the Andes. He showed me to be humble, love nature and share my knowledge as much as possible.
“We’ve noticed in the nursing homes that there are many elderly farmers and people who have connections to farming and sheep; they get a lot of enjoyment out of this experience.
“I’ve seen the eyes of many of these elderly farmers shine. The dog could just be there wagging its tail beside them, but they relate to the work dog and the experience in a very profound way because it’s part of their history.”
The shepherds' interactive, tactile demonstrations involve historically exploring how the Border Collie breed developed in farming over the years, how these special work dogs are trained and how they learn.
Preserving the heritage of the Irish working sheepdog is their objective.
The all-weather outdoor demonstration lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes. All that is required is a green area or any outdoor space of a minimum of 15 metres in diameter for a round pen. The demonstration takes place in this area. They can also bring the show indoors to residents.
Find out more here: https://thenewportshepherds.ie/.