Round Of A-paws As Furry Friends Steal The Show At Homes’ Doggy Celebrations
Residents, families and team members at our homes in Hampshire and Dorset celebrated National Dog Day in the company of furry friends old and new.
The day is an annual event designed to raise awareness of dogs in rescue centres and shelters and to encourage people to consider offering them forever homes.
At Woodpeckers, Colten Care’s Brockenhurst care home, residents Jeannie, Dawn, and Pamela used the occasion to champion their support for the Dog’s Trust Lymington.
They collected clothing donations from staff and fellow residents, made dog bandanas and prepared a hamper of dog treats, all for the Trust to sell in its shop, so helping to raise funds for dog welfare efforts.
Dawn said: “It makes us proud to do our bit to help this amazing charity.”
Meanwhile, Colten Care’s Lymington home Court Lodge held a light-hearted dog show enjoyed by residents, families, team members and of course their pets.
Categories included ‘Best Looking’, ‘Best Behaved’ and ‘Best Trick’ while guests joined in a singalong of ‘How Much Is That Doggy In The Window?’.
The top honour, ‘Most Liked’, went to regular Court Lodge visitor Ruby.
In Dorset, Colten Care’s Poole care homes Canford Chase and The Aldbury both held events in honour of National Dog Day.
Canford Chase staff awarded rosettes to canine competitors in a race and waggiest tail competition.
At The Aldbury, the focus was on Roxy, a Yorkie-dachshund cross and visitor to the home for more than eight years.
Companionship Team Leader Sue said: “Roxy often comes out on garden walks with residents, nudging people to throw her ball.
“She’s particularly fond of jumping on Joyce’s lap when Joyce is sitting in our salon having her hair done.
“Roxy entertains us all with tricks such as twirling around on her back legs and rolling over at command.
“We presented her with a lovely rosette medal to thank her for her service and cuddies over the years.”
Among other Colten Care homes, Abbotts Barton in Winchester held a community dog walk while Abbey View in Sherborne invited regular canine visitors to a party in their honour.
At the Winchester dementia care home, St Catherines View, dog-loving residents welcomed a team of specially trained therapy dogs who helped prompt conversations about pets in the past.