Chihuahua marks 10 years as care home's canine boss

Chihuahua Lady has spent 10 years working and has been described as a "local legend"

A Chihuahua described as "such a treasure" has celebrated a decade of "spreading joy to everyone" at a care home in Essex.

Lady, who is 15 years old, has been the "canine relations manager" at Colne View, in Halstead, for 10 years.

Famous for inspecting visitors and strutting around in her winter knitwear, the precious pooch spends her days being cuddled by residents and making them smile.

In commemoration of her long service, the home threw her a party complete with "pup cakes" and a display of photos of her most heartwarming moments.

Chihuahua Lady spends her days snuggling up to residents at the Colne View care home in Halstead

Kim Richardson, the home's senior customer relations manager, said: "It was incredibly special to celebrate with a party truly fit for a lady.

"Colne View is Lady's home away from home, and she spends most of her time here, bouncing up and down in the car on the way in and dragging her feet on the way out.

"Lady has become a local legend and first-time visitors often ask to meet her, and we even take her to other care homes for guest appearances.

"She's an absolute star and brings so much happiness to everyone she meets. She'll be getting an extra few cuddles to celebrate this milestone."

The tail-wagging team member celebrated her milestone anniversary with a special party

Tail-wagging team member Lady made her very first appearance at the home after being adopted by Ms Richardson, who she lives with and accompanies to the care home.

As well as the physical benefits, she also stimulates residents with dementia by helping them remember the fond times they experienced with their own past pets.

Resident Winsome Grimwood, 92, said: "Lady is such a treasure, she spreads joy to everyone. We love seeing her every single day, we are so lucky to have her here."