The 3rd Annual Springfield Dog Show
Wednesday 9th August saw the much awaited 3rd Annual Springfield Dog Show. It really was third time lucky as the rain had stopped play for the previous two Wednesdays.
The dog show started when we noticed local peoples passion for dogs and concern about dog poo. We put the two together and the dog show has enabled us to buy and maintain 6 dog poo bag dispensers that are located on Springfield Road, Toulston Road, Buckley Street West, Beech Hill Lane and two on Gidlow Lane.
This year Dean took over the reins of compèring the dog show and did a brilliant job. We had 9 categories and also the Best in Show award.
Tradition is that we start the show off with Child Handler aged 8 and under, which was sponsored by the Dog Groomer & Software Solutions. Eleanor’s handling of Dexter took first place, followed by Esme with Otis and Emily with Earl.
Child Handler 9 and over, sponsored by Flexible Therapy followed. Amelia took first place with Jefferson, Jay second with Otto and Matthew third with Jackson.
Then came Waggiest Tail, sponsored by Elite Aesthetics, as owners paraded their dogs, crossing their fingers that they’d wag on the day. Charlie supported by Emma came in first, with Dexter walked by Emma and Freya with Jackie taking second and third place.
Best Rescue was up next, sponsored by Pets and Pals. Pedro, a dog rescued from Spain and accompanied by Charlotte took first place. Polly, supported by Louise and Cilla with Donna took rosettes for second and third places.
Paws for Thought sponsored the Golden Oldie category with 17 year old Rudy taking first spot. Donna showed her to the judges. Poppy with Jackie and Archie with Gill took second and third places.
Cutest Pup was up next, and was sponsored by Gill and Ryan. Always a tough decision, but after much deliberation with the guest judge Ryan, Freda with Meryl took first spot, Luna with Louise took the rosette for second place and Freya with Jackie took third place.
Prettiest Bitch is always one of the most popular categories and this year was sponsored by Bec Spencer Designs. James walked Scarlet to the first prize in this category with Luna supported by Gaynor and Lola supported by Lee took second and third spot.
Handsome Male was next up and was sponsored by Ace Gas North West. Hunter with Tara woofed the number one spot and was followed in second place by Doug with Karen. Dalton Blue with Kay took third spot.
A firm favourite, Catch a Sausage was up next. After a good few round the winners were announced with Jefferson taking first place, Dexter second and Fudge with Jess third.
There was a break whilst the raffle was drawn and we all cracked a smile as Mervyn with little hair won the hair voucher and Sandra with no dog won the dog biscuits. We are sure there’ll be a bit of swapping and gifting going on.
Then to the finale. We waited as the judges deliberated on Best in Show. A tough decision for anyone to make, so thank you to John and Janet for doing so. Springfield Dog Walker sponsored the event and announced that Pedro with Charlotte was the overall winner. Charlotte was over the moon.
The dog show is a real community affair and wouldn’t happen without the contribution of so many people.
A big thank you goes to John, Springfield Dog Walker, who does much of the behind the scenes organising, supported by Gill and brings in great raffle prizes from Wigan Rugby. There’s a whole team of people who get involved behind the scenes organising and helping on the day, so thank you to Lisa, Phil, Megan, Jo, Vicky, Mervyn, Angela and Dean who did a brilliant job compering.
In total £424 was raised on the day. £45 from stalls, £185 on registrations and £164 on the raffle.
Thank you to all the sponsors for the events and to those who generously contributed. Vets4Pets provided the rosettes again and we had wonderful support from local businesses for the raffle from Hannah Simon’s, Sunrise, Software Solutions Ltd, Tim’s La Mama, Gidlow Plaice, Fired Wok, the Launderette, Unique Hair, Elite Aesthetics, Clipped Dog Grooming, Pets and Pals, Greens Bed and Furniture Place and Stanley’s Snacks. Thanks as well to True Level Media for capturing amazing photos of the show. Take a look in the Facebook group at the albums and the reels. And thanks too, to the Diggers Festival organisers for loan of the benches and to Highfield Grange FC for the rope.
We also have a group of people who fill the poo bag dispensers with a supply of bags once a week, so thank you also to Nadia, Amanda, Rebecca, Elise, Gill and John.
What’s lovely to see is dogs and children growing with us. Children who started showing their dogs at 5 in the under 8 category about to move age brackets and new pandemic purchased pups now all grown up returning and taking part and some taking rosettes in grown up woofer categories!