Tails
were wagging on the afternoon of Monday 9th May when the Memory Cafe
hosted a visit from the ‘Dogtastic Dog Obedience Team’. The five dogs – Megan,
Gizmo, Delphi, Anya and Hudson were introduced by their owners who explained
that the group got together after attending dog obedience classes six years
ago, and continued to meet and work together twice a week. They have twice
performed at Crufts, and regularly visit local agricultural shows and
residential homes.
The
canine visitors were an instant hit with everyone – they were very friendly and
well behaved, and we were all really impressed with their demonstration.
Performed to music, the dogs and their owners put on a wonderful display of
control and obedience using hoops and mats, and were obviously keen to show off
their skills. The demonstration concluded with ‘musical mats’ which they really
seemed to enjoy – Megan, a working farm dog, insisted on creeping in towards
the mat in the centre of the room before the music had stopped to ensure she
kept her place in the game!
Whilst
our visitors enjoyed a well deserved bowl of water and some dog treats, thanks were
given to their handlers before we all tucked into a welcome cup of tea and our
usual delicious selection of cakes. There was a chance to chat, meet the dogs
and their owners and to have a go at some dog and cat themed puzzles and
quizzes before everyone enjoyed a game of ‘Dog Bingo’. Sweet were on offer for
those who completed a line or got a full house, the only proviso being that you
had to ‘woof’ to let everyone know you were due a prize!
What
a great afternoon – we hope the ‘Dogtastic Team’ enjoyed it as much as we did
and that they’ll come back to see us again before too long. Meanwhile, we look
forward to Memory Cafe Extra on May 23rd when Dr Richard Greenwood
will be giving an illustrated talk on ‘You are what you eat’ (does this mean
that all Memory Cafe members will turn into pieces of cake?!).
