Dorset Care Home Sets Tails Wagging With Charity Dog Show
A fun-filled community dog show set tails wagging in the garden of a Dorset care home.
Residents, relatives, friends, staff and prize pooches came together to enjoy the popular annual crowd-pleaser at Colten Care’s Amberwood House in Ferndown.
Across ten categories, owners showed off their handling skills as canine competitors vied to win the titles of loveliest lady, most handsome man, fanciest dressed, fastest recall, waggiest tail, best biscuit catcher, golden oldie, best trick, best ball retriever and dog egg and spoon.
Winners included Izzy, resplendent in crown and sash, for loveliest lady and Roly in a tuxedo for most handsome man.
A pair of cowboy hat-wearing dachshunds, Freya and Heidi, won the judge’s hearts to take the fanciest dressed title.
Companionship Team Leader Kirsty Richmond Cole said:
“Our golden oldie award was won by Bertie, a regular visitor to the home with his owner Mandy.
“He loves a fuss and makes himself at home whenever he visits. You could hear ‘aww’ coming from the crowd as he did his runway walk.”
The competitions culminated in an egg and spoon race in which owners had to run round a circuit without dropping their egg and while keeping their dog on the lead as they went.
The show was hosted by Home Manager Diane Nicholls and judged by resident John Hyde, home volunteer Hayden O’Neill and Colten Care’s Chief Operating Officer Elaine Farrer.
John said: “It was great fun judging the entries and seeing the dogs entertaining everyone with their personalities, agility and outfits.”
Diane said: “We thank everyone involved for their hard work and all the competitors and visitors for helping to make the show such a success.
“This is an event that we all look forward to and we were thrilled with the turnout on the day. It was even bigger and better than in previous years.
“The egg and spoon race in particular gave the crowd plenty of laughs and it certainly tested doggy owners’ fitness.”
As the categories progressed, winners and competitors were rewarded with rosettes, certificates and treats prepared by residents.
Ahead of the show, residents made dog toys, bandanas, treat jars, resin tags and other crafts that were available to purchase on the day, with proceeds going to the home’s charity of the year, High Mead Farm. Along with entry fees, the sales helped to raise nearly £140.
