Therapy dogs celebrated with ‘Crufts’ event

Our care home has hosted its own version of the famous Crufts dog show to honour the Pets as Therapy dogs who regularly visit our residents.

The Crufts-style dog show was held at our home on February 17 and brought together many of the dogs who visit our residents each week.

The dogs competing included those belonging to team members and residents’ family and friends, plus the Pets as Therapy pooches who routinely visit the home to provide our residents with companionship, joy, and nostalgic memories of their own furry friends.

Dog lover David Scott, aged 85, has been a resident at our care home since July 2024 and volunteered to be the judge for the event. David has had a passion for dogs since owning his own four-legged-friend, a flat-coated retriever called Benson.

Taking his responsibilities seriously, David judged the nine dogs on confidence, coat, ability to sit and wait for treats and to give paw, waggy tail, and the ‘go-around’ where the dogs showcased their behaviour on lead with a walk around the care home.

David said: “I was honoured to be the judge as it meant I got to spend lots of time getting to know each of the dogs, what a treat! Dogs really are man’s best friend.”

Following the judging, David awarded first prize to cavapoo Ralph, who visits the care home every Friday, and his nine-year-old owner Rosie.

Second and third place went to retriever Tommy – a Pets as Therapy dog – and his owner Ron Aitkens, and toy poodle Axel who belongs to carer Marta Martuska.

Rosie said: “I am so happy that Ralph won, I can’t wait to tell all my friends and my school teacher. I’m so proud of him!”

A raffle organised by the care team at the event raised £223 for Dogs Trust Basildon, which rescues and rehomes dogs from around Essex.

Bex Harmer, lifestyle lead at Cherry Wood Grange, said: “The furry friends who visit our residents bring them so much joy and happiness and this dog show is our way of saying a big thank you to them and their owners.

“Whether it’s a resident having a visit from a beloved family dog or a visit from one of the many Pets as Therapy dogs who spend time with us at the home each week, they provide our residents with so much comfort and companionship.

“Animal-assisted therapy has a very calming effect on our residents, especially those living with dementia who can feel anxious at times.

“The visits bring back fond memories of childhood pets and can be an important link to their past. The familiar feel of stroking a dog’s fur can unlock memories and bring clarity and happiness.”

Sue Smith, manager at Cherry Wood Grange, said: “It was a wonderful event and one we will definitely be running each year. It had a lovely community feel with our marvellous Pets as Therapy dogs and their owners joining us.

“Our residents enjoyed cheering on the dogs as they showcased their personalities and talents, and David did a brilliant job of judging their efforts.

“All of the dog owners were awarded certificates for taking part and the dogs received a toy, treats, and lots of praise from everyone!”

Cherry Wood Grange Care Home is a 66-bed care home in Chelmsford, Essex that provides residential, respite, specialist dementia and nursing care and was recently named one of the Top 20 Care Homes across the east of England by Carehome.co.uk.