A Tail Wagging Time

Staff, residents, and community members at Birchmere House were delighted to welcome Viking, the Crufts 2024 champion, and his owner, Melanie, to their community on Tuesday 19th March.  

Viking, a three-year-old Australian Shepherd, was crowned the most prestigious title, Best in Show, beating over 24,000 dogs at the 2024 Crufts dog show at the NEC in Birmingham. This win was made even more special because Viking is local to Solihull. 

During his visit, Viking worked the room, taking the time to engage with each resident and even shaking paws with a few. Speaking of the day, resident Geoff said, “I was watching Crufts last week, praying that Viking would win with him being a local boy; fast forward one week, and he is here in my home giving me his paw. I can’t believe it.” 

Residents were delighted to play and cuddle with their new furry friend and presented Viking with a hamper of his favourite treats as congratulations for his incredible win. Extensive research shows that a dog’s presence can positively impact a person’s well-being, and Viking’s visit certainly had that effect. Well-being and Activities Assistant Rad said, “Yesterday was one for the Birchmere memory books. The atmosphere in the home will stay with me forever. Seeing the reaction of our residents made me feel emotional in a wonderful way.”