There were wagging tails, smiling faces and plenty of four-legged fun as Greenacres Care Home in Meltham recently hosted its first-ever Crufts-inspired dog show, raising money for Dogs Trust.
Nine dogs put their best paws forward for the event, with around 30 residents and visitors coming together for an afternoon of canine competition, laughter and fundraising.
Adding an extra touch of Crufts expertise to proceedings was resident Helen Bamforth, who has experience judging at Crufts and other canine competitions and took her responsibilities on the judging panel very seriously.
Ahead of casting her expert eye over the four-legged entrants, Helen said:
“I shall be checking their teeth and coats – I know what I am looking for!”
Dogs competed across a host of light-hearted categories, including Waggiest Tail, Puppy Love, Young at Heart, Eyes That Melt Your Heart, Lovely Lads, Lovely Lasses, Child’s Best Friend, Most Bonkers Dog, Most Vocal Dog and the Dog the Judge Would Like to Take Home. There was also an online award for Most Photogenic Dog.
In the spirit of the day, there was no chance of anyone going home disappointed, with all nine canine contestants being crowned winners.
Resident Kenneth Whitwam was particularly taken with some of the show’s smaller entrants and spent the afternoon jokingly eyeing them up to decide which one he might be able to “dog-nap” and take home.
The event raised £100 for Dogs Trust, Greenacres’ chosen charity for 2026, bringing the home’s fundraising total for the charity to £1,121 so far this year.
Greenacres chooses a different charity to support each year, with residents and staff selecting Dogs Trust for 2026 thanks to the many dog lovers living and working at the home.
Sarah Tomczynski, Home Manager at Greenacres Care Home, said:
“We were so excited to hold our first dog show because we see first-hand the joy that dogs bring to our residents and team. They have an amazing ability to lift the mood instantly, and there wasn’t a face without a smile.
“It was especially heartwarming to see our resident judges taking their responsibilities so seriously. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who supported the day and helped us raise money for Dogs Trust.
“We’re now looking forward to visiting Dogs Trust at the end of August as part of our celebrations around International Dog Day.”
The event was also supported by local businesses, including Holmfirth Pet Shop and K9 Pet Store, who helped make the home’s first Crufts-inspired show a memorable occasion for residents and visitors alike.
Greenacres Care Home is part of Bridge Oak Care Homes and provides residential, dementia and respite care in Meltham, West Yorkshire. Bridge Oak Care Homes brings together established care homes across the North of England, with a focus on delivering high-quality, person-centred care and creating places where residents feel safe, valued and genuinely at home.
Across its homes, Bridge Oak is committed to supporting residents to live with dignity, purpose and happiness, while building meaningful relationships with families and the wider communities they serve.
