Pennies needed for Penny the care home dog as vet costs mount Balhousie Care Group

MEDIA RELEASE Monday March 15, 202

A care home in Carnoustie has launched a fundraising drive for its famous dog, Penny – one of the home’s ‘residents’ and a favourite in the local community.

Balhousie Brookfield has been home to Penny, a 12-year-old golden cocker spaniel, since her former owner was a resident there. After the resident passed away, staff and residents decided to adopt her.

However, Penny has eye infections and needs regular grooming. Brookfield had the offer of free pet grooming for life from a local firm, but sadly the groomer has since closed. Facing mounting vet bills and regular haircuts for Penny, the care home is looking to raise cash for its favourite four-legged resident.

A JustGiving page set up for Penny has already gathered donations from all around the country and across Balhousie Care Group, which owns Brookfield and 25 other care facilities. The care home, which sits in expansive gardens, also plans to breed chickens and ducks. The idea is to incubate and sell the birds to raise more funds.

Home Manager Laurie Easom said: “Penny brings so much cheer to staff and residents. She’s more than a therapy pet, she’s part of the family. However, she’s 12 and there are regular visits to the vet. We need a way to fund her health and general care. Recently staff have been dipping into their own pockets to pay for her vet visits and we just can’t sustain that any longer.

Of the care home’s new feathered residents, Laurie added: “The plan is to incubate and sell chickens and ducks and put the money into back into Penny’s fund. Plus we’ll be able to use the eggs for residents’ meals. In the meantime, if anyone wants to contribute to Penny’s JustGiving page we’d be grateful for donations of any amount.”

Penny is well known around Carnoustie and has even been featured in the local newspaper. Her care home antics were recently caught on video. View them on Balhousie Care Group’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mhxw5HkOtQ&t=19s