Top dogs melt residents’ hearts as Brook View care home celebrates best of breeds

Residents of one of our Dorset care homes have declared their first-ever dog agility show a ‘pawsome’ success.

Labradors, terriers, huskies and chihuahus were among the breeds in a ten-strong field vying for glory at Brook View care home in West Moors.

The fun featured an obstacle course in which handlers directed their canine competitors in a race based on time and accuracy.

The dogs were brought along by Brook View residents’ families, neighbours and team members at the home.

After all the pooches had performed, the overall winner was declared to be pint-size chihuahua Blossom, owned by Senior Care Lead Marivic Schurer.

Overall winner Blossom the chihuahua with owner Marivic Schurer, Senior Care Lead at Brook View

Marivic said: “My husband and I couldn’t believe Blossom had won. She initially took first place for Best in Style and then she came first in agility overall. It was a complete surprise that she had it in her.”

Runner-up was terrier cross Rosie, owned by Companionship Team member Jo Vardy.

In third place was Teddy, a Siberian husky cross German Shepherd owned by Kitchen Assistant Sue Newman.

Among those further down the rankings were black lab Dylan in fourth place, white lab Kimmy in fifth and terrier Pearl in sixth.

Brook View residents spoke of their joy at the event.

Rosa Leicester said: “I kept thinking what a wonderful day it was. All those lovely dogs and how lucky we were with the weather. It was a great day.”

Pam Roberts, who was one of the residents judging the show, said: “Yes, we were tough judges but the best dog won over all. I didn’t even let my son and dog Dylan off with any special treatment.”

Labrador Kimmy, who came fifth in the show, navigates the obstacle course with owner Julie Moor

After the show, residents, visitors and dogs enjoyed a specially themed afternoon tea.

Companionship Team member Rebecca Grimsey said: “All the competitors were rewarded with rosettes and doggy treats and we rounded off the occasion with refreshments including biscuits cut out in paw prints and bone shapes made by our chefs Jack and Isabella.

“We then held a grand raffle prize draw with all proceeds going to the charity we support, Waggy Tails Rescue. It was a lovely time had by all.”

Among the visitors were Waggy Tails representatives Nicky Chapman, Sue Welsh and Neil Davidson, who brought along Eddie, a black lab, and Teddy, a Shitzu, to take part in the fun.