A Devon care home is to host its first-ever community dog show after residents requested the event during a house meeting.
A Devon care home is to host its first-ever community dog show after residents requested the event during a house meeting.
Mulberry House Residential Home in Bovey Tracey will open its grounds to the public on Saturday, 18 July, to raise funds for a local animal shelter.
Every resident at the home will take on the role of judge, using a unique photo-voting system to crown the winners.
Organisers said the idea was sparked by the residents’ love for three regular canine visitors, including a therapy dog named Chief.
To choose the winners, organisers plan to take a photograph of each canine entrant during the registration period.
Residents will then be given copies of the photographs to hold up and vote for their favourites across seven light-hearted categories, including “Waggiest Tail” and “Senior Star”.
The entry fees of £5 per dog will be donated directly to the Animals in Distress shelter, which operates across Torbay and the West Country. Spectators can attend the event for free.
Helen, the home manager at Mulberry House, said the residents were “excited” to host the event, which was organised in direct response to their feedback.
“Animals bring so much joy, conversation and companionship into the home,” she said.
“We would love local people to come along, whether they are entering their dog or simply joining us to enjoy the fun.”
Staff said the residents’ passion for animals is sustained by daily visits from two staff dogs, Simon and Pandora, alongside regular sessions with Chief the therapy dog.
Registration for the event begins at 3pm, with judging scheduled to start at 3.30pm. Organisers have asked participants to register in advance.