The Springfield Dog Show – A Real Community Effort

The 2^nd annual Springfield Dog Show was held on Wednesday 31^st August from 6-8pm on Gidlow Field, Buckley St West.

The dog show started in 2021 as a positive way to do something about dog poo in the area.  We could have a bit of fun, as people around here love their dogs, whilst raising some cash. Money that is raised, pays for dog poo bags and dog poo dispensers in the area.  Streets that feel they have a problem can put themselves forward for a dispenser as long as someone from the street agrees to keep the dispenser filled and join a WhatsApp group with other bag fillers across the community.  

Before this year’s dog show, we asked through the community group if the poo bags had made any difference.

You can see below that 57% thought that it had.  The survey also gives a good idea of where more dispensers and / or dog poo bins might be useful.  Some people thought that the streets become cleaner too during the summer when nights are light so we’ll have to keep our eye on that too as the dark nights draw in. 

Planning for this year’s dog show started back in April and it was great to welcome more people who wanted to get involved. We need to thank Gill for doing much of the background work, like applying for licences and arranging the promotional leaflets and banners and John who toured the streets securing local sponsorship for the categories and prizes for the raffle.  There were a good few people who got involved in making this happen, members of the group this year who contributed ideas and support, so let’s say a big thank you to all of them – John, Gill, Jo, Rebecca, Nadia and Megan attending meetings in the run-up to the show and on the night some more people came along to help out or helped with a bit of shopping – Isaac, Elliot, Phil, Vicki, Mervyn, Emma and Lisa. 

This year we had nine categories, including a new category – Best in Show.  The winner of each category received  £15. And 2^nd and 3^rd places received a rosette which were funded by Vets for Pets. That is, apart from the child handler categories.  After seeing so many disappointed faces last year we decided to give every child a medal for taking part.  We also split this category into two – eight and under and 9 and over.  Each category cost £2 to enter. 

The show was judged by John – Springfield Dog Walker.  Nadia of Pets and Pals had to step down on the evening.  Luckily we had dog show experience on the field and Dean stepped in, followed by Janet of Paws ….  The evening was compered by Angela for the second year, this year with a microphone, which meant she still had a voice the next day.  Angela is looking to retire if anyone would like to take on the role in 2023?

Child Handler

The first category of the night was Child Handler aged 8 and Under which was sponsored by Little Acorns Nursery and Pre-School.  The children took turns to show off their dog handling skills to an appreciative audience of ooher’s and awwers.  There were 7 entrants for this category.

Mia came second with Lexi

Child Handler aged 9 and over

Then came Child Handler aged 9 and Over sponsored by CL Windows Ltd.  There were 7 entrants in this category with one of the entrants, Amelia handling two dogs.  This category was sponsored by CL Windows Ltd.

and Sinead took third with Polly.

Waggiest Tail

Next up was the Waggiest Tail.  18 owners tried to get their dogs to wag their tails in front of the judges.  This award was sponsored by Liam of Ace Gas North West, who joined the judging panel for the category.

and Jefferson scooped his second prize in the competition and wagged his way to 3^rd with Jeff.

Best Rescue

Next, we had the Best Rescue category.  We had six entrants for this category which was sponsored by Pets and Pals.  We listened to the stories and travels of the dogs and then the judges had to make a very difficult decision. After much deliberation, they announced that Isobel with Loki had won the category

Golden Oldie

Golden Oldie followed Best Rescue with 10 entrants.  This category was sponsored by Pause / Paws for  Thought and Janet joined the judging panel. 16-year-old Rudi accompanied by Denise took home first prize

 Cutest Pup

Next up came the excitable little ones and the Cutest Pup category sponsored by our very own John at Springfield Dog Walker. 

Prettiest Bitch

Then it was over to the Prettiest Bitch category sponsored by Gradwells Pet Care.  14 bitches competed in this event and Bella accompanied by Lilly and Joshua took first prize.

Handsome Male

As Handsome Male was called, almost every dog left on the field walked forward.  Our most popular category with 27 entrants sponsored by Steven Lowe UPVC Services.  In fact so popular that the judges had to create a shortlist. 

Catch a Sausage

Then it was over to a real favourite category, Catch a Sausage, sponsored by MAC Tools.  Jamie joined the judging panel and put his fingers on the line by taking on the role of sausage thrower.  After numerous heats, the judges put their heads together to make a decision.

Polly with Sinead second

Best in Show

That then left the Best in Show.  All category winners stepped forward and the judges decided to award Boo the best in show.

All that was left to do was call the raffle.  And what brilliant support we had from community members and local community minded businesses.

Aside from the generosity of neighbours who donated prosecco, wooden toys, perfume and games we had great support from local community-minded businesses.

The Wigan Laundry and Double B’s donated vouchers; Sunrise Indian take away and Gidlow Plaice offered set meals; Joanne Marr a local beautician offered a massage and a facial voucher and LL Massage and Beauty donated an aromatherapy kit.  FLD Academy gave a month of free street dance lessons and Sarah Forsyth MuA offered a voucher.  Our local florist Hannah Simmons donated a beautiful bag. Wigan Warriors added to the prizes on offer with some great donations – shorts signed by Jai Field; a family ticket for Wigan v Catalans and a family ticket for selected games next season.

There were also other behind-the-scenes helpers – BookCycle loaned us tables, Wigan Council a PA system and Wigan Diggers lent us some benches.  Clly Dawber arranged the seating and Cllr Cullen came to support on the evening. 

And let’s not forget the stalls that added to the experience. We had a pet photographer;

hot and cold drinks from the Crepe Hut; sweets provided by Sweet Sensation; a young entrepreneur selling bracelets and a visit from the local ice cream van.  Our local fixer Phil was also offering recycled bicycles in return for a donation. 

In total, we raised £360 on the night whilst having a great time.  A few people suggested we should make a day of it next year and have it on a Sunday so more people can join in.  What do you think?  If you’d like to help out with the dog show, get in touch, you’d be made very welcome.