At our Hampshire-based residential care home, The Lawn, residents, their families, friends, members of the local community and care team had a ‘paw-fect’ day enjoying the home’s second pooch-fest, The Scruffies.
Now in its second year, The Scruffies is The Lawn’s annual community dog show. “This year we had an amazing 31 dogs of various breeds, shapes and sizes enter, taking part in 11 award categories,” said Emma Cranstone, The Lawn’s Activities Coordinator and organiser of the event.
The Scruffies Show Ring was set-up ‘paw-fectly’ on the main lawn outside the care home’s dining room, with seating both indoors and outside on the patio, meaning that all spectators had a good view of the ‘fur-bulous’ show and cheer all the competitors on.
Emma took on the role of Commentator for the event and three residents – Alan Newman, Alan Bourne and Robin Cook – had the important job of being the Scruffies’ Judges. “We had a ‘paw-some’ time judging all the classes,” said Robin, who has been a resident at The Lawn for just over three months. “The two Alan’s and I took our jobs very seriously – well, as seriously as the cute dogs would let us. They were all so adorable.”
“All the dogs were so well behaved and thoroughly enjoyed the abundance of attention they received throughout the afternoon,” added Alan Bourne, who has lived at The Lawn since February this year. “The Sausage Eating Race was definitely one of the highlights of the event, not only for everyone watching, but for the dogs too. It was a very tight race, as the dogs loved the sausages but, in the end, the winner was Border Terrier, ‘Squid’ who beat ‘Axel’ and ‘Franklin’ by a nose to claim the title.”
The third Judge – Alan Newman – who has been a resident at The Lawn since August 2023, is no stranger to keeping an eye on proceedings as he was one the inaugural judges at the first Scruffies last year. “This year we had a lot more dogs taking part,” said Alan. “It was great to see them all, running about and having fun. It was also great to give the top three in each class one of our handmade rosettes.”
It was hard to award the coveted prizes but, in the end, the Judges made their decisions. Lola won for the Waggiest Tail, Maise was presented with the Best Rescue Dog award, Best Junior Handler went to Bob with his adorable Mabel and Bonny walked away with the Prettiest Lady accolade. There were also some double award winners. “Squid – who won the Sausage Eating Race – also scooped up the Scruffiest Dog title,” continued Robin.
“The Best Behaved Dog was Merlin; Most Handsome Dog was Axel and the Dog Who Looked Most Like Its Owner was Scout. All the dogs were lovely, so judging The Dog The Judges Would Most Like To Take Home Award was a tough one, but all three of us agreed the prize should go to Hope, who was absolutely gorgeous,” added Alan Bourne.
The top prize of Best in Show was also a hard decision for the Judges. “In third place was Squid – who, in the end, won three titles overall. In silver position was Border Collie, Hal How and taking the top spot was the wonderful, Toy Poodle, Marley,” said Alan Newman. “Marley’s owner received a £200 voucher, Hal How’s owner received a bottle of Champagne and Squid’s owner received a Hamper…but no dog left with empty paws. Each pooch who entered was given a special doggie bag, full of tasty homemade doggie treats.”
“The dogs loved the treats so much, lots of the owners asked for the recipe,” added Emma. However, it wasn’t just the dogs who enjoyed tasty treats. Residents and guests also tucked in to a delicious afternoon tea.
“We had a great turnout for The Scruffies and it was lovely to hear all the positive comments from our guests, saying how much they enjoyed the event and how delicious the afternoon teas were,” continued Emma. “However, the highlight for me was definitely seeing our residents so happy and engaged. The Scruffies was such a success that our residents are still chatting about it now and coming up with new award categories for next year’s event.”
“This year’s event was such a success that we’ll definitely host the 2025 Scruffies next year. Knowing how much our residents love all animals and often reminisce about the pets they have had and loved during their lives, The Scruffies is now a firm favourite on our annual activity calendar,” said Alina Gutu, the Registered Manager at The Lawn.
“Since Crufts began back in 1891, there have been 84 Best In Show Winners. Scruffies may have a way to go to reach that amount, but we’ll put out best paws forward and give it a go,” concluded Emma.
Find out more about The Lawn care home by calling 01420 84162 or emailing enquiries@fote.org.uk.