Everyone's a winner at park's first ever dog show

12/06/11

Dog owners and their canine pals strutted their stuff at the first ever fun dog show in Norwood Park at the weekend.

Pooches of all shapes and sizes turned out in force to show off their looks, tricks and sense of fun - dressing in an array of fancy dress.

Hundreds of people crammed around the show arena as the judges vet Helen Spencer, sergeant Lee Ann Mills, and animal welfare officer Claire McMahon deliberated in categories including: cutest puppy, golden oldie, luckiest rescue and best in show.

The sun shined all afternoon on the 62 doggie contestants, with over half entering just one category - Best in Show.

Winners received some fantastic prizes courtesy of the show's brilliant sponsors Paxton Veterinary Clinics.

Photographer Lindy van den Booman captured the whole day in pictures
which can be seen by clicking here.

For just £10 you can get five pictures or £5 for two.

Show organiser Andrea Perry said: "It really was a fantastic day and I am grateful to everyone who helped make it such a fun occasion.

"I would especially like to thank the judges and our great compere Maureen who saved the day by standing in at the last minute and of course all the dogs and their owners.

“We also heard some great rescue stories about dogs who had been saved from some really terrible situations by their lovely owners.

"What was really nice is that all the dogs and of course their owners were so well behaved! It really bought out the best in our park."

The show also saw the launch of the park's neighbourhood watch style crime fighting initiative Dog Watch.



Police officers from the Met's Gipsy Hill Safer Neighbourhood team signed up 20 recruits for the scheme which is open to all dog owners and aims to make the park a safer place for all.

Proceeds from entry fees raised £100 which is being donated to setting up Dog Watch.

During the day Battersea Dogs Home staff were on hand to provide helpful advice and agility training as well as free microchipping, and dog tag engraving.

Their involvement was organised by one of the judges Claire McMahon, Lambeth Council's Animal Welfare Officer who reported that six dog had been microchipped and a further 35 canines now have new dog tags.

Staff from Paxton Vets, which has clinics in Gipsy Road, and Clifton Road, South Norwood, were also on hand to give out advice and tips to dog owners.



The dogs were kept occupied during the day with plenty of treats, free tennis balls and carrots!

The results are as follows:

Cutest Puppy
Winner Lu Lu, three-month-old minature Schnauzer entered by Isobel Carmen who said
2nd Chad, 23-week's-old entered by Stacie,
3rd Bonita, a nine-month-old Cocker Spaniel, entered by Sandy.

Golden Oldie
Winner: Willow, aged 8, a mixed cross entered by Julie Glynn who said: "Willow is Miss Waggy Tail. She is always happy and loves children."
2nd Hero, aged 8 year's and 10 months, a Cavalier King Charles entered by Vanya Melloy.
3rd Oscar, a Labrador entered by Jill Craven.

Best in Show
Winner Paris, aged three, Dalmatian entered by Darren nwho said of her: "A very loving dog...plays well with other dogs ....loves kids."
Reserve Dougal, a one-year-old Scottie entered by Mike O'Connor and Peter Rixham



Luckiest Rescue
Winner Elton, aged three-year's-old entered by Beth Evans who said: "Elton came from Portugal. He is bi-lingual and named after the famous singer because of his own singing talent!"
2nd Moomin, aged three, Staffie entered by Carol Tavernier.
3rd Alfie, two-year-old Jackapoo entered by Isobel Carman.


Best Trick
Winner Jo Jo, three-year-old Rottwiler entered by Courtney Rager who said: "Re-homed, very soft and loves attention and fuss."
2nd Squirt, a three-year-old Staffie entered by Ali Taylor.
3rd Roxy, a two and a half year old Rottweiler/Labrador cross entered by J Chadney.

Fancy Dress
Winner Brandy, aged six-year's-old Irish Setter/Spaniel Cross entered by Kathleen Tepperies.
2nd Sticks, three-year-old black Labrador entered by Jaxon Wilkinson.
3rd Roxy, a two and a half year old Rottweiler/Labrador cross entered by J Chadney.

Dog you would give you Last Rollo to?
Teddy, aged three, Jack Russell/Staffie cross entered by Chris Lofty won for the impact he made on the show. He created a Mexican style wave of chaos wherever he went!

PHOTOGRAPHER Lindy van den Boomen can be contacted at: 07832 215 280, email lindyvdboomen@gmail.com or visit http.lindy.photoposts.org