A pawfect day – Hailsham care home hosts dog show with a twist

Home news

Apr 27, 2021

A care home in Hailsham hosted a barking mad competition for a good cause.  

Care UK’s Bowes House, on Battle Road, hosted its very own edition of Crufts and raised £160 for Dementia UK.  

As part of the contest, judged by residents, members of the community were invited to showcase their dogs’ skills and good looks in one or more of the four possible categories: ‘Handsome Hound’, ‘Prettiest Pooch’, and ‘Happiest Smile’. An overall winner, ‘Golden Oldie’ was also chosen.

Rocky, a 13 year old terrier, impressed residents with his cheeky grin and took home the top prize.’ The winning dogs will all receive a box of luxury dog treats for their efforts.

The dog show also provided a valuable reminiscence activity for residents, who enjoyed chatting about pets they had owned in their younger years, and was particularly beneficial for those who live with dementia.

Dementia UK provides advice and support to people living with dementia and their families. The charity specialises in providing specialist and compassionate support for the entire family and run a helpline that is open for advice Monday-Sunday.

Ryan Harris, Home Manager at Bowes House, said: “We loved hosting the virtual dog show and voting for our favourite pooches. It proved a great way to engage with the local community safely during this time – and we are delighted to have raised £160 for a cause that is close to everyone’s hearts here at Bowes House.

“We’re committed to supporting residents to live fulfilling lives, and activities like dog shows help residents in reconnecting with interests and hobbies they had when they were younger. We know just how beneficial animal therapy can be for older people, especially for those living with dementia, as being close to animals can help lift a person’s mood and stimulate social interaction. With current restrictions in place, a virtual pet competition seemed like the next best thing, and residents were thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of our judging panel.

“We’d like to thank everyone who took part, donated funds for an incredible charity and gave us all a day to remember!”

Eloise Heap, Fundraising Manager at Dementia UK, said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to the Bowes House team from all of us here at Dementia UK for hosting a virtual dog show to fundraise for our charity.

“All the money raised will help our dementia specialist nurses be a lifeline to families who are struggling to cope with the relentless pressures of caring for a loved one with dementia – so it really does make a difference.”

Bowes House is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has it very own café, cinema and hair salon, and there is plenty of space, both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation. The home has a comprehensive activity programme, offering a mix of themed events and group activities.

For further information on Bowes House, please call Customer Relations Manager, Karen Milligan, on 01323 888 611 or email karen.milligan@careuk.com

For more general information, please visit careuk.com/bowes-house