Caring Canines has had a boost to its funds.

Care South has awarded the local not-for-profit group with a £2,400 Chairman’s 2020 Fund award. The Fund has been established to benefit Care South employees, volunteers and community groups who provide a community service to care homes, care at home offices, clients or residents.

Caring Canines offers the assistance of its assessed, vaccinated and insured dogs in the Bournemouth and Poole community to break down barriers and enhance the lives of those people who miss canine companionship or benefit from it. Interacting with a friendly pet is known to help residents, and Care South’s care homes have recently been welcoming the friendly pooches into their homes for many calming cuddles.

The cheque presentation took place at Care South’s Fairlawn home in Ferndown where Jane Stichbury, Care South’s chairman and Simon Bird, chief executive officer, were joined by members of the Caring Canines’ team and some cuddly companions, including an eight-month trained puppy with L plates attached.

Simon Bird said: “We are delighted to be able to support Caring Canines and the work that they do. We have worked closely together for some time now and the award made from the Chairman’s 2020 Fund is a further way of supporting our very good friends at Caring Canines.”

Sue Dennett, co-founder of Caring Canines, said: “We are thrilled and honoured to receive this esteemed award and want to thank Simon for nominating Caring Canines and to Jane for agreeing and awarding the not-for-profit group with this incredible sum of money. Our partnership with the care homes is prospering, which is fantastic to be part of. Our team thoroughly enjoy their visits to all the care homes, especially the dogs who receive lots of attention from all the residents.”