This happy event on Saturday 24th July was a great success with 35 dogs parading in the Community Meadow, whilst the spectators enjoyed delicious home-made cakes and elderflower cordial from the refreshments stall. Here’s organiser Alfie’s report:
The local community was clearly ready to showcase their dogs. Some of them acquired during the Covid pandemic along with 3.2 million other pets. The first dog class was “The Most Friendly Dog”. It was an impressive show of different breeds, beautifully groomed and on their best behaviour. Dr Dolittle (Gaynor Judge) and her assistant judge (Helena Penfold) spent almost 40 minutes to decide on a winner. First prize went to “Yo-Yo”; a Border Terrier accompanied by Bonny.
With the next class, “Dog Most Like its Owner”, there was only ever going to be one champion. The winning couple was a Golden Retriever called Finn and the owner called Matt. In fact, both Finn and Matt (pictured here) looked so much alike it was actually quite difficult to tell them apart! It helped that Matt had painted a dog nose on his face and wore a dog collar!
The third dog class was “Best Handler under 12”. Despite the less experienced owners, the class required a lot more skill, and the children definitely rose to the occasion. A young girl called Maggie ultimately impressed the judges most and was rightfully rewarded.
By the time the fourth round started a number of the dogs were clearly becoming tired with some tails running out of wag. The “Dog that wags its tail most” class proved too much for some, but Barry the Spaniel won with impressive wagging much to the delight of its owner, Jo.
The “Cutest Cuddly Toy Dog” class awarded first prize to the smallest dog in the competition called “Niamh”. The owner Lily looked very proud and enjoyed sharing her little furry friend with everyone at the show.
The last class was “Dog the Judge would most like to take home”. Dr Dolittle wanted to take all the dogs home, but the three winners were Betty, Ernie and Camille.
Many people asked if the same event would be organised for next year after having had so much fun. The organising team is strongly in favour of making the event an annual event and will be looking for opportunities to make it an even more enjoyable experience in 2022. Special thanks to Seymour Vets in Totnes for sponsoring the event.
Huge thanks to Alfie Penfold for suggesting and organising the show so brilliantly along with Sam and Helena (pictured here with Dr Dolittle), and to all the willing volunteers and bakers, who helped raise a much appreciated £385 in support of the Community Space. And last but not least, many thanks to Ken Wood who took all the lovely photos that you can see in this gallery:
