Four-legged friends take centre stage at Great Wyrley care home
Residents at a Great Wyrley care home welcomed dogs and their owners for an annual show
Four-legged friends took centre stage at a Great Wyrley care home as residents welcomed local dogs and their owners for an annual show.
Wyrley Rose, part of Macc Care Group, hosted an afternoon of canine competition, with residents’ loved ones also joining in the fun.
The categories were chosen by residents and included Golden Oldie, Best Puppy, Best Behaved, Judges’ Favourite and Best Scruff, along with a Best Dressed award.
Each dog took to the red carpet to show off its personality and best tricks before the judging panel.
The panel included Home Manager Gabriel Avaram and residents Jane Sumner, Mick Cook, Margaret Yardley and Diane, who faced the difficult task of choosing the winners.
Gabriel said there was a "fantastic atmosphere" throughout the home and residents had enjoyed being involved in choosing the categories and judging the competition.
The dogs’ individual personalities and good behaviour proved a particular highlight, while spending time with them also brought back fond memories for residents.
Winners received certificates, rosettes and hampers filled with toys, treats, blankets and snacks, with singing and entertainment also forming part of the celebrations.
Gabriel said animals could prompt "so many happy memories and conversations" and it was wonderful to see the impact the dogs had on residents.
The home’s connection with animals has continued beyond the annual show, after one resident’s wish to visit Birmingham Dogs Home led to a community collection for dogs waiting to be rehomed.
During the visit, residents met some of the animals, spoke to staff and learned more about the charity’s work.
Residents also took donations including blankets, towels, toys and treats for the dogs and staff.
Gabriel said the visit, alongside the annual dog show, had been a "lovely way to create meaningful experiences" while supporting a cause residents care about.
Both activities form part of Wyrley Rose’s programme of personalised experiences, based around residents’ interests, memories and wishes.