Report on the annual Open Day & Dog Show - 28th June 2008

The weather was fine, if a bit breezy, and encouraged crowds of people to come with their dogs to Higher Quoit for the major fundraising event of the year.

Staff with parade of dogs

Centre staff parading the dogs

An early start saw the staff and volunteers making sure the animals looked their best all day, especially the dogs waiting to be rehomed who took part in the pooch parade. Several people enquired about the dogs and some were reserved.

Pic of stalls

Browsing the stalls

The event relies on volunteer help from fundraisers who set up their stalls, helpers who ran the refreshments and directed the car parking and others who took the money to enter the site and the show ring.

There were Tombolas, books, plants and toy stalls, and face painting

The compare was Phil Harris, Station Manager from Peninsula Radio.

Julia and Scooby

Julia with Scooby Doo

A special guest appearance was made by Scooby Doo. He was a good sport who entertained everyone when he set off on the Rally Obedience course with Centre Manager Julia.

The Dog Show programme covered 12 events, as follows:

  1. Prettiest bitch
  2. Most handsome dog
  3. Best veteran (aged 8 and over)
  4. Best Junior (under 2 years old)
  5. Best young handler (under 16)
  6. Best condition
  7. Waggiest tail
  8. Most appealing eyes
  9. Regional Heat of the national RSPCA Dog of the Year.
  10. Fastest recall
  11. Dog the judge would most like to take home
  12. Show Champion - selected from all the first-placed participants in classes 1-11.

The judges were Peter Ferris from the RSPCA, Fiona Rowlings from Rock View Vets, Harriet Chapman from Penmellyn Veterinary Hospital, and Rex Harper MBE.

Photographs of all the winners can be seen on page 2. (click HERE )

Peggy in class 9 winning the heat of the Rescue Dog of the Year.

Peggy winning the Regional heat of
Rescue Dog of the Year.

The RSPCA Rescue Dog of the Year was won by Peggy - a grey haired lurcher cross with a touch of deerhound - from Falmouth.

She had been found wandering in the Wheal Rose area two years ago and taken to the Dog Warden who, after getting her veterinary help, had passed her to the National Animal Welfare Trust at Hayle.

The skin on one of Peggy's back legs was rubbed raw and the vet reckoned she had been caught in a trap and managed to get herself free. Very emaciated, Peggy needed to have her injuries dressed every day for several weeks until the possibility of having her leg amputated was passed.

Her owners say Peggy is a laid back, loving dog who loves to play but isn't keen on cats.

Jeri with a couple and their dog.

Animal Behaviourist Jeri Omlo gave advice to dog owners for a donation.

The day was very successful as a profit of £3,800 was made towards the upkeep of the Animal Centre’s facilities and to help look after the animals that require veterinary treatment before they can be rehomed.

Thanks go to all who helped make this a success, and all who came and supported us on the day!

N.B. Don't forget to see the winners' page, HERE

RSPCA Cornwall, 2009  -   Opening times: Monday to Sunday 11am to 4pm   -    Closed Wed