Residents and staff at RMBI Care Co. Home Albert Edward Price of Wales Court, in Porthcawl, recently joined forces to launch their first Dog Show at the Home. The staff brought in their pets, who competed in a range of different categories, including fastest retriever, temptation alley, egg and spoon, and musical hoops. The winners and all participants received rosettes and certificates at the end.     

The Home’s Dog Show judges were 85-year-old resident Mollie Gould and soon-to-be 90-year-old resident Dylis Waddington, with the support of Gillian Thatchell, member of Therapy Dogs Nationwide. Dylis Waddington, who always had dogs and keeps treats for any dogs that come to Albert Edward Price of Wales Court, said: “It has been a marvellous experience. It was so lovely to see my friends, the dogs. I can’t wait until next year.” 

Mandy Kilpatrick, one of the Home’s Activities Coordinators,said: “We hope that this will be the start of an annual show in the Home, and hopefully it will grow each year. The Dog Show has been a great success and we’ve been thrilled with everyone that took part in it, both dogs and their owners. Indeed, it’s been an amusing and fabulous afternoon, and the residents loved it.” 

The staff at Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court are fully aware of the benefits that pets can provide to their residents. The Home welcomes therapy dogs regularly, who not only bring joy and a sense of calm to the residents, but also benefit their mental health and wellbeing by boosting their activity levels, reducing stress and combating loneliness. 

Activities Coordinators Mandy Kilpatrick said: “A lot of our residents at Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court had pets before moving in, and they have fond memories attached to dogs. It’s also a good way of helping them to remember.”

RMBI Home Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court, in Porthcawl, is run by RMBI Care Co., part of the Masonic Charitable Foundation.