Words by our very own Catherine

Scarecrow competitions are a beloved tradition in many communities, where creativity and imagination come together to craft unique and eye-catching scarecrows. But what happens when an unexpected participant enters the scene? Explore this heartwarming story of how Hope's Therapy Dogs found its way into a scarecrow competition, bringing smiles, laughter, and a whole lot of wagging tails to the community.

Dog therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy, has been proven to have numerous physical and mental health benefits. Their therapeutic impact is undeniable, making them perfect candidates for spreading joy...even in the most unexpected places.

Scarecrow competitions are a fun and creative way for communities to come together and showcase their artistic talents. Participants design and build scarecrows using various materials, often picking specific themes.

In the small area of Penketh in Warrington, families and businesses were all busy preparing for the annual scarecrow competition following a Disney theme. Hope's Therapy Dogs, represented by Lola, decided to join in the festivities. She saw an opportunity to combine her passion for spreading happiness and of course her love for her favourite film "Lady and the Tramp". The idea was simple yet brilliant: create a scarecrow that not only captivates the eyes but also warms the hearts of everyone who sees it and makes them smile.

Lola enlisted the help of her human, Catherine, to bring their vision to life (sculpting wire and paper mache is a bit tricky with furry paws!). They carefully constructed a scarecrow setting that resembled the two Disney dogs lovingly sharing a bowl of spaghetti and meatballs - an iconic scene which never fails to warm the heart.

As Lola's scarecrow was unveiled in the competition, it quickly became the talk of the town. People were delighted to see a scarecrow that not only showcased creativity but also embodied the spirit of dogs. Families, children, and even pets flocked to the scarecrow, eager to interact with it and have their photos taken. Laughter filled the air as children hugged the scarecrow, and dogs wagged their tails in excitement...with some even trying to pinch a meatball or two!

The presence of the scarecrow brought a new level of joy to the competition. It served as a reminder of the incredible impact that dogs have on our lives and the power of therapy animals in promoting well-being. The community embraced the scarecrow as a symbol of love, and the importance of spreading happiness wherever we go.

The unexpected entry of Lola's into a scarecrow competition brought a unique and heartwarming twist to Penketh - particularly at the celebration event where Hope's Therapy Dogs had the opportunity to talk about and share the work that they do across the North West with many people asking for further information.

It showcased the power of dogs to bring joy, comfort, and healing to people's lives. The scarecrow became a symbol of the incredible bond between humans and animals, reminding us of the importance of spreading happiness and love in unexpected places.

So, the next time you see a scarecrow, remember the wagging tails and smiling faces it can bring, and let it serve as a reminder to embrace the joy that dogs and therapy animals bring into our lives.

Oh...and Lola won first place!