TV Vet Marc Abraham OBE Crowns Keymer Hall’s Top Dogs
Keymer Hall was full of barking, laughter, and pure joy as celebrity vet Marc Abraham OBE visited the care home to celebrate National Love Your Pet Day.
Marc, known to millions as “Marc the Vet” from his television appearances and tireless work as an animal rights campaigner, spent the afternoon chatting with residents about his fascinating career, from heartwarming rescue stories to his campaigns that changed UK law. His tales of helping animals around the world and insights into how different cultures care for their pets sparked lively conversations and more than a few happy tears.
But the real highlight? Keymer Hall’s very own dog show, with Marc taking on judging duties for 12 hotly contested categories.
Team, visitors, and members of the public brought their four-legged friends along to compete for top honours. Harper won Best Paw Shaker with an impressive display of politeness, while Molly claimed the Loudest Pooch title (much to everyone’s amusement). Reggie took home the “Dogelganger” award for bearing an uncanny resemblance to his owner, and 13-year-old Jazzy proved that age is just a number by winning Best Agility.
The competition was fierce (though very friendly), and residents loved every minute of it.
“The smiles on our residents’ faces said it all,” said Christine Bunce, Home Manager at Keymer Hall. “Watching them interact with the dogs, asking Marc questions, and getting involved in the judging was wonderful. These aren’t just nice activities, they’re moments that bring real connection, spark curiosity, and remind everyone what it feels like to be part of something special. That’s what matters most.”
The event was more than just entertainment. Talks from guest speakers like Marc, exploring topics like animal welfare and cross-cultural approaches to pet care, help keep minds active and encourage meaningful discussion – something central to Boutique Care Homes’ approach to care.
Helen Lewis, Head of Lifestyle and Wellbeing at Keymer Hall, organised the day from start to finish. “We wanted to create something that would bring the whole community together, residents, families, team, and even people from the local area,” she said. “Marc was brilliant. He took time with everyone, answered every question, and made each person feel heard. And the dog show? Pure magic. You could see how much it meant to our residents to be part of it all.”
Marc himself was clearly touched by the experience. Taking to Facebook after his visit, he wrote: “Huge thanks everyone at Keymer Hall Care Home for making my visit to help celebrate #NationalLoveYourPetDay so special! Loads of fun judging the fun dog show & giving a short talk about being a vet, helping animals, plus a few other career highlights! Special thanks to Helen for organising it all too!”
Days like these sit at the heart of Boutique Care Homes’ Life Enrichment Programme, a structured approach to wellbeing built around six core principles: Contribute, Grow, Reflect, Feel, Move, and Connect. It’s about creating purposeful, joyful experiences that stimulate the mind, lift the spirits, and bring people together.
“Care shouldn’t just be about meeting physical needs,” Christine added. “It’s about creating a home where people can still learn new things, have a laugh, cuddle a dog, and feel part of a community. That’s what we’re here for.”
And judging by the wagging tails (both human and canine), Keymer Hall got it exactly right.
For more information about Keymer Hall, please visit www.keymerhall.care
