The leading end-of-life care charity, based in Risley, is taking entries from animal lovers who want to show off their pampered pets to the world. It follows the announcement that their popular Vintage Fair and Dog Show, which is held every autumn, has been postponed due to coronavirus.
There are seven categories in the just-for-fun competition, which is open to pets of all shapes and sizes.
They are:
- Funniest Pet Video
- Not A Cat or Dog
- Fancy Dress’
- Weirdest Sleeping Position For a Pet
- Best Trick
- Looks Most Like Owner
- Happy Families – unexpected friendships which have blossomed between animals or their owners.
Therapy animals are vitally important
Cheryl Morris, Treetops community fundraiser said:
“We regularly welcomed a wonderful Pets as Therapy dog, Lottie, to our Wellbeing Space before lockdown.
“Lottie is a huge hit with all our patients, many of whom can sadly no longer own a pet, so therapy animals are vitally important to us here at Treetops.
“In the past, we have also welcomed therapy ponies, birds of prey and other more exotic animals to Treetops.
Pets can be very calming when we’re going through anxious times and provide focus and purpose
“We recognise that pets have helped people cope during lockdown and had a positive impact on mental health. Pets can be very calming when we’re going through anxious times and provide focus and purpose – especially important for our more vulnerable and isolated patients.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the variety of animals – and the talents which they have – from our followers.”
The competition will run from Monday 29 June onwards, with each category being open for two days.
The winner is decided by the number of ‘likes’ it receives on Treetops Facebook and Instagram social media channels, with each category winner going through to a Champion-of-Champions grand finale on Wednesday 15 July.
Treetops provides nursing care and emotional support for adults with life-limiting conditions such as cancer, motor neurone disease and heart and respiratory conditions.
Treetops is doing all it can to continue to support those in most need. However the charity predicts a huge loss in income in the coming months, due to the temporary closure of their charity shops, and postponement or cancellation of many fundraising events. The hospice launched an Emergency Appeal earlier this year.