Round of a-paws – Sevenoaks care home hosts dog show

Home news

Jun 09, 2021

A care home in Sevenoaks has announced the winner of its barking mad competition.

Care UK’s Weald Heights, on Bourchier Close, hosted its very own edition of Crufts and raised over £80 to support local Forget-me-Not dementia cafes.     

As part of the virtual contest, local people across the Sevenoaks community were invited to showcase their dogs’ in one of the following categories: ‘Cutest puppy’, ‘Best Friend’, ‘Golden Oldie’ and ‘Happiest face’.

An overall ‘best in show’ winner was also chosen – with the crown going to Max, the ‘Golden Oldie’ Labrador   – whose adorable looks and doting eyes impressed the judges.  

The worthy winner, picked by a judging panel of residents, received a £30 gift voucher to spend on dog biscuits, bandanas, rosettes and toys. Alongside his voucher, Max was also awarded a trophy to take home.

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.

Maria Covington, Home Manager at Weald Heights, said: “We’re pleased to crown our first-ever winner of our virtual dog show – we received so many wonderful entries of the local poochies in Sevenoaks that it was hard to whittle them down.

“Dogs have long been companions to people of all ages, offering a friendly face and someone to talk to through the good times and bad. Animal therapy can be extremely beneficial for older people, especially for those living with dementia, as the animal-human bond can significantly improve residents’ mindset by stimulating social interaction and helping to bring back fond memories of pets from their younger years. With current restrictions in place, a virtual pet competition where residents could see and judge local dogs seemed the next best thing.

“We’re looking forward to next year’s edition of our very own Crufts – hopefully with our canine friends strutting their stuff in person!”

Weald Heights is a purpose-built care home designed to deliver luxury hotel-style comfort for residents, complete with a café, hair and beauty salon, cinema and beautiful gardens. The home is divided into separate residential, nursing and dementia care suites, encouraging close-knit communities where residents can get to know each other, and where people with similar needs can be cared for together.

For more information on Weald Heights, please call Customer Relations Manager, Amelia Moore, on 01732 809 189, or email amelia.moore2@careuk.com

For more general information, please visit: careuk.com/weald-heights