Valerie Singleton Is A Great Judge Of Talented Pooches

Former Blue Peter presenter Valerie Singleton OBE proved she’s no stranger to handling pooches when she judged a care home’s charity dog show.

Colten Care’s Newstone House in Sturminster Newton welcomed dozens of dogs, their owners, local schoolchildren and residents of its sister homes Castle View and Whitecliffe House to the event in aid of the children’s music charity Jessie’s Fund.

JJ Dogs’ Zara Chatterley and Mandy Ellis and their spaniels Ethan and Tilly kicked-off the afternoon’s events with an energetic canine agility display.

Then local people were invited to enter their own dogs into categories ranging from Best Trick and Best Dressed Dog, to Waggiest Tail and Best in Show.

Rosettes and treats went to a host of pets including Peso the Mexican Hunting Dog and Troy the Pointer.

Muffin the ‘Heinz 57’, who is owned by the home’s manager Debs Wiltshire, won second place in the agility class.

Newstone House resident Dorothy Machin was joined by her daughter Karen Maple and Karen’s dog Bonnie for the afternoon – all three dressed in a polka dot theme.

Dorothy said: “It’s absolutely wonderful to see all these beautiful dogs in the home. We are hoping Bonnie will win the Best Dressed dog category.”

Fudge the cocker spaniel eventually won the Best in Show category.And guests also enjoyed a delicious cream tea prepared by the home’s chefs and the chance to take part in a raffle with prizes donated by a host of local businesses.

Companionship Team Leader at Newstone House Rebekah Goddard, said: “So many staff and residents’ families at Newstone have dogs and we live in a real dog-lovers community, so we thought we would invite people to come in and celebrate their dogs with us.

“We’ve been absolutely bowled-over by the response. It has just been so amazing to see so many wonderful dogs and their owners having a great time with our residents in the sunshine.”

Valerie Singleton agreed: “What a fantastic day!

“This has been my first visit to Newstone House and it’s been so nice to meet all the residents and of course the wonderful dogs and their owners.”

The event raised £198.50 for Jessie’s Fund which helps children with educational and additional needs to communicate through music.

Manager Debs Wiltshire said: “Jessie’s Fund has helped the family of one of our residents so we were thrilled to be able to raise money for this great cause.

“Our special thanks go to Valerie who was a wonderful host and judge and everyone who made the day possible. It’s definitely an event we will be repeating.”