Frank Foster House Care Home, part of the Runwood Homes Group, was full of smiles and wagging tails on 14 January, as residents celebrated Dress Your Pets Day with a joyful Doggie Fashion Show.
The special event brought together residents, staff, and visiting pets to celebrate the positive impact animals have on wellbeing. Much-loved dogs Elia, a Schnauzer, and Nicolas’, the Home Manager’s dog, who has been visiting the home as part of pet therapy for several years, delighted everyone as they showed off their adorable outfits, quickly becoming the stars of the day.
The fashion show created a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere, with residents enjoying the opportunity to interact with the dogs, watch the parade, and share moments of laughter and connection. Many residents spoke warmly about the comfort and happiness the pets bring.
Christine, a resident at Frank Foster House, said, “I love Elia — she gave me comfort and she is very well trained.”
Another resident, Olive, added, “It was nice to see the fashion show.”
Nicolas, Home Manager at Frank Foster House, spoke during the event about the importance of pet therapy, highlighting how regular visits help create smiles, reduce anxiety, and offer companionship to residents. His long-standing involvement has made a meaningful difference to the home’s community.
Activities such as pet therapy and themed events play an important role in supporting emotional wellbeing, encouraging social interaction, and creating positive shared experiences. Seeing residents’ faces light up as the dogs took to the ‘runway’ was a clear highlight of the day and a reminder of the powerful connection between people and animals.
