ROBOTIC therapy puppies have been given to a number of care homes across Dorset.

Care South care homes in Bournemouth, Poole, Bournemouth and St Ives near Ringwood have each been given a golden-coloured pet, known as Biscuit.

Each of the company’s 18 care homes across Dorset, Devon, Somerset and West Sussex have been given a puppy following a successful trial at two care homes including Templeman House in Northbourne earlier this year.

The robotic dogs respond to touch and speed and are designed to reduce stress and anxiety in residents.

Since Biscuit the dog was introduced to Templeman House, the therapy pet has been a huge success providing stimulation, comfort and companionship.

Susan Willoughby, chief executive at Care South, said: “We were very impressed with the results we saw from the introduction of the robotic dog at Templeman House so were keen to be able to offer the same experience to residents at all our homes.”