Hedon Care Home's Canine Celebration

Aside from Britain's worldwide reputations for courage in adversity, prowess in innovation and the financial hub of the western world, we Brits are universally known for our love of our pets. In all breeds, shapes and sizes, virtually every household has a four-legged friend. For many of us in later years, this all changes when we find new living arrangements in a residential care home. Magdalen Park Nursing Home in Hedon has, however, recently taken a new initiative to address this sensitive issue.

"We recognize," says Magdalen Events Organiser, Steph Ashton, "that residents keeping a whole variety of personal pets is not feasible here, so we looked at the situation a different way. We really want to be part of the community, maintaining relationships between our residents and their carers, friends and families, so we invited them to bring their pets here to visit us for a special Prize Pet Show recently.

"We wanted the event to be properly organized and professionally judged so I asked around our residents' visitors and so many of them recommended the local Haven Veterinary Practice as their first choice for pet care, so I asked them if they could spare the time to help us with our special day."

"I thought this was such a great idea," says Haven Vet, Pippa Kaplowich, "that I didn't hesitate to volunteer. I even took my Labrador, Tarquin along to meet the other pets. This was no serious "Best In Show". It was fun day for residents and local people of all ages, especially when Chewy the Rabbit escaped from his owner and everyone was chasing around the lawn to grab him. I hope this great day for the residents and community will be an annual event and we will be proud to be part of it."

Haven Veterinary Group has been treating and caring for small and large animals for over a century and its Hedon and Holderness Road practices and the latter is one of only a few nurse training centres in East Yorkshire.

Ends

Photo:

At the prize presentation, from left to right, with their four-footed friends, Kevin Marsh and Brisco, Karen Whittaker and Jack, Christine Head and Kizz, Organiser Steph Ashton, Kerry Staniforth and Chewy, Oliver Cullen and Tortoise Charlie Windy, and Haven Veterinarian Pippa Kaplowich with Tarquin.

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Notes to editors

1. For more information about Haven Veterinary Group, please visithttp://www.havenvetgroup.co.uk/

2. For more information about Magdalen Park, please visithttp://www.yorkarehomes.co.uk/homes/magdalen-park-nursing-home-hedon

3. For more information about Haven Veterinary Group Hedon, please call 01482898301. The Hedon practice specialises in large and small animals.

4. For more information about Haven Veterinary Group Holderness Road, please call 01482 376477. The Holderness Road practice specialises in small animals.

5. Haven Veterinary Group was established as Oldham and Partners in the 1950s and is one of the longest established veterinary practices in Hull.