Home’s residents have paw-some day at Crufts

RESIDENTS from a care home in Banbury enjoyed a paw-sitively brilliant day out at Crufts.

When the team at Care UK’s Highmarket House discovered that residents Rudi and June Steen, both aged 90 and annual watchers of the famous dog show, had never had the chance to visit in person, they set out to change that.

The married couple have watched the show on television for years, having been lifelong dog lovers.

Throughout her childhood, June grew up with Cocker Spaniels and, once married, the couple cemented their relationship further with a dog of their own, Gretel the German Pointer.

Home manager Francesca Cowley said: “Rudi and June are avid fans of Crufts and tune in to watch it every year, so the team knew they’d be over the moon to visit the event in person.

“Everyone from the home had a wonderful time at Crufts, watching the events and meeting all the lovely dogs.

“Animals are a great way of improving relaxation and wellbeing in older people, and the trip has provided a lovely chance for the residents to share fond memories and stories of their own pets.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone at Crufts who made this such a special day and are looking forward to planning our next animal encounter soon.”

Rudi and June were joined for the trip by some of their other canineloving friends from the home.

The group were treated to a variety of displays including from the police dogs, an agility show and the junior handlers, as well as having the opportunity to meet plenty of the furry friends and their owners.