Paws4aCause Dog Show is a project of the Rotary Club of West Wollongong. The $6,000 proceeds from this year’s event, which was held in May, went to Interplast to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the organisation in Australia and New Zealand.
This is a dog show with a difference, with prizes given in six categories – the dog with the waggiest tail; the cutest puppy; the most dignified old timer; the best dressed; the best hair do; and the best fancy dress (owner and dog). There were almost 100 dogs entered in the various categories this year.
As well as the dog show, there were 28 market stalls featuring dog groomers, dog trainers, dog treats, dog clothing and accessories, dog hydrotherapy and dog rescue. A professional dog photographer was on hand to take portrait photos of dogs and their owners.
And, of course, there was the Rotary barbecue and a raffle!
Denisha Smith and her dog, Biscuit, won the best fancy dress for dog and owner.
Wollongong City Council supported the event by providing a team from their compliance department, who were able to give information to people on responsible dog ownership.
Guide Dogs NSW brought along some of their puppies in training. They are always looking for foster homes to care for these dogs before they start their proper guide dog training. Guide Dogs NSW also gave a demonstration on guide dog training.
Besides the categories for judging, there was also a fascinating demonstration of flyball, which is a speed and agility dog relay. Another popular event was ‘Dog Lotto’, which involved 20 numbered tyres inside the ring and numbered tickets sold. The star of this event was Buddy, a well-trained dog who performed beautifully.
Sarah Ciantar and Abby Goold with their Standard Poodle, Primbee Rose. (Photo: Wesley Lonergan – Illawarra Mercury/ACM.
The Lord Mayor of Wollongong, Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM, officially opened the dog show. Local Federal MP Alison Byrnes and State MP Paul Scully also attended, which was further recognition of the importance of this community event. It is estimated that over 500 people attended at various times during the day.
The show was well supported by the local media, with advertising on local radio stations in the lead-up to the event. The Illawarra Mercury also ran a story before and after the event.
Just about all club members were involved on the day with various activities such as working on the barbecue or cake stall, selling raffle tickets, running Dog Lotto, traffic marshalling and dog marshalling.
MAIN PICTURE: Chair of the Paws4aCause Committee, Di North, with her son’s black Labrador, Taco. (Photo: Adam McLean – Illawarra Mercury/ACM)