STAFF and residents at Barchester’s Ross Court care home in Ross-on-Wye got up close and personal with some furry friends when they celebrated National Dog Day.

National Dog Day is an annual event to raise awareness of the number of dogs in rescue centres and to encourage people to adopt dogs from shelters and dog homes.

Residents had a brilliant time when their activities team arranged a Dog Show, inviting families, friends and local community to join with their furry friends and find all abour the wonderful things surrounding man’s best friend.

The star of the show was Alfie, who wagged his way into everyone’s hearts and won first place.

Alfie’s proud owner, Beth, was beaming as the judge awarded Alfie a special prize – a voucher kindly provided by Creature Comforts Pet Shop in Ross.

General manager, Agda-Claudia Vasilateanu, said: “Our residents love animals and lots of them have owned dogs in the past, so it was lovely to hear their stories about the different things their dogs had got up to.”

One of the residents said: “I have always had a dog, we had them when I was growing up and they are such good company, I love how funny and loyal they are.

“We have had such a nice day remembering all the dogs we have known and loved. They are all such characters.”

The care home’s varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.

Ross Court Care Home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Ross Court provides residential care and respite care.

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