Organised by the uMngeni SPCA, this dog show with a difference had over 140 entrants.

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Show Co-ordinator, Adrienne Olivier, of uMngeni SPCA, said the judges were impressed by the contestants, the majority of whom had “healthy condition, shiny coats, bright eyes and wagging tails.”

All entrants given special treatment
Unlike traditional dog shows where entrants arrive painstakingly preened and perfect, the Hill’s Township Dog Show contestants were first issued with free collars and leads, de-wormed, dipped and inoculated before entering the show ring.

Finalists in the four categories – Happiest Dog, Dog in Best Condition, Best Behaved Dog and Best Handler and Dog competed for the Best in Show prize, which was won by Vanessa. She won Hill’s Science Diet food and a gorgeous wooden kennel.

No one went home empty-handed though, as every entrant had a thorough veterinary check up and received Hill’s Science Diet food samples, a lead, collar, bowl and blanket. Prizes were sponsored by Hill’s, Howick Cabins, SA Breweries, Mica, Frontline and many other caring organisations and individuals.

Vanessa’s proud owner Thandi Mdladla, says she got the dog when her son left home, "I picked her out myself from the litter, and paid R10. I let her sleep inside when it gets cold. She is my baby."

60 volunteers at show
More than 60 volunteers helped run the show and many more donated blankets and other goods. Olivier says she is “astounded at the response that my appeal for help receives each year. There are a lot of people out there who want to help animals in some way and this event provides a vehicle for this.”

This was the third Hill’s Township Dog Show in Mpophomeni and is part of the uMngeni SPCA’s ongoing outreach programme. Organiser Adrienne Olivier hopes this show will inspire others around the country, and is helping start similar events in Johannesburg, Graaff-Reniet and Cape Town. “Because the show encourages a sense of pride and appreciation of dogs, it helps reduce neglect, ignorance and cruelty, thus improving the lives of disadvantaged animals.”

To support the work of uMngeni SPCA or find out more about the Hill’s Township Dog Show contact Adrienne Olivier on telephone 083 636 0891 or email adishaya@mweb.co.za.
 

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