The Lawn care home residents enjoys inaugural dog show

At Friends of the Elderly residential care home, The Lawn, in Alton, 10 dogs of varying breeds took part in 10 award categories, cheered on by residents, their families, friends and the care team.

Activities co-ordinator Emma Cranstone decided to arrange the dog show as the residents not only love animals but frequently reminisce about pets they have loved during their lives. 

READ MORE: Child taken to hospital after being electrocuted near shops in Winklebury

Emma said: “We’ve never hosted a dog show before. Knowing how much our residents adore animals, I thought it would be a great thing to do for them."

The show ring was set up on the lawn outside the care home’s dining area. Emma continued: "I thought this was the best place as our residents could, if they wanted, watch the show from the dining room and it was also a good wet weather option, as it has lovely big, dual-aspect windows, so they wouldn’t miss any of the action."

However, the weather was kind and the rain stayed away. Even though it was a warm day, there was a slight breeze, so taking no chances, Emma and the care team made sure the residents were warm outside with blankets and mugs of hot chocolate.

Emma said: “We had 10 award classes. Waggiest tail, most handsome boy, prettiest girl, best-behaved dog, naughtiest dog, best rescue, best pedigree, best young handler, most ‘looks like its owner’ and dog the judges would like to take home. Then, of course, best in show."

Residents enjoyed the paw friendly event (Image: The Lawn Care Home, Canva)

Two residents, Robin Collet and Alan Newman acted as judges and awarded handmade rosettes that the residents had made for first, second and third place in each category.

“The dogs loved it,” said Robin, “they were so excited to take part. They couldn’t stop barking every time they came into the show ring.”

Alan said: “All the dogs were great and such fun. Robin and I were very fair with our judging, and depending on the category, made sure that every dog won a rosette.”

SEE ALSO: 22-year-old man charged with aggravated burglary after electric scooter theft

The entrance fee to take part was £1 per dog, per category and the care home’s catering team made a selection of tasty cakes and there was also tea and coffee available for the audience.

All the money raised from the dog show went back into the resident’s activity fund. The winner of the coveted Best in Show prize was Packa, owned by one of the residents’ sons, but no dog left empty ‘pawed’.

Manager at The Lawn, Alina Gutu, said: “Every dog received a special doggie bag full of doggie treats, and all the children who came along also received a medal from the judges as well.

“All the residents said that The Lawn’s dog show was a fantastic afternoon, they thoroughly enjoyed it. So much so, that they have asked us to do another dog show next year. The residents lovingly made the rosettes and doggie bags and even baked beautiful cupcakes complete with doggie faces. It was so successful and will become a regular event on our activities calendar.”