9:00am Monday 6th July 2009
By James Wallin
PRETTY pooches and beautiful border collies shone at North Wiltshire RSPCA’s annual dog show yesterday.
The event, held in glorious sunshine at the Lydiard Tregoze park, West Swindon, included prizes for the dog with the waggiest tail, best veteran and the dog who looked most like its owner.
A barbecue, stalls selling dog toys and pet goodies and a raffle to win a hamper full of alcohol were also among attractions at the event.
Galaxy, a Jack Russell and Scottie cross belonging to the Piatek family, scooped the overall prize as well as winning the dog with the waggiest tail category.
Barbara Drake’s border collie Phoebe won the prettiest bitch contest and she was delighted by her prize of a toy rabbit.
Barbara, from Lydiard Millicent, said: “I have never put her in a dog show and I didn’t even know about this one until Friday.
“It’s very exciting that she won. Of course I think she’s beautiful but that’s because she’s my dog. It’s nice to know that other people share my opinion.
“She has a lovely personality as well. Unless you’re a waiter - she’s scared of them.”
Phoebe, who is believed to be aged between seven and nine and was picked up from Battersea Dogs’ Home by Barbara, also came second in the best in the show contest.
Charlotte Campbell, 15, from Lydiard Green in Lydiard Millicent, was over the moon when her black labrador Tommy scooped the most handsome dog award.
She said: “He’s very cute and is in good condition. He’s also got a nice personality so I think that helps. I never really expected him to win but I’m really proud of him now.”
Charlotte said she would consider entering the 10-month-old in future competitions.
Former Blue Peter vet Joe Inglis was the event’s celebrity judge.
He said: “There are quite a few different things you are looking for when you are judging a dog.
“Obviously beauty is in the eye of the beholder and you naturally go for the type of dog you personally like. Not everyone would agree.
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