SCHUMY WINS HEAT OF RESCUE DOG OF THE YEAR

Mount Noddy Animal Centre at Eartham staged the local heat of the RSPCA Rescue Dog of the Year on Saturday 26th July. This well supported class at the Fun Dog Show attracted a lot of entrants of all shapes and sizes, and from numerous rescue centres, not just RSPCA. The Judge, Veronica Migliorini, had a tough judging challenge as she weighed up, not only the general appearance of the dogs, but each dog's history, impact on it's new family and how well the dog settled into it's new home. Looking at the condition of these rescued dogs, they were all winners.



When the lead dogs were called forward, it was a crossbreed called Schumy, rehomed from Clymping Animal Sanctuary, who won the class. Schumy and his owner, Helen Watling, will now be contestants in the regional heat taking place in September. Six regional winners will go forward to the final in November when Sunday Express readers will select an overall winner. To vote for Schumy in the regional heat, please visit www.rspca.org.uk/doty

Despite being one of the hottest days of the year, the Show attracted a big turnout of dogs for the various classes. Best in Show was won by Golden Retriever, Echo, owned by Anita Deadman but Schumy was not far behind, winning Reserve Best in Show.

An entertaining demonstration of obedience was put on by Oving Dog Training Group and included heelwork, recalls and retrieves through to scent work and sendaways.

On Sunday, a superb Security Dogs demonstration was put on by Neil Van der Wee of Brick Kiln Nursery and received a very good response from the crowd especially when a "thief" was apprehended. Regis Jazz Band played during the afternoon and an auction was held by Anthony Calf, who plays DAC Strickland in "New Tricks".

Mount Noddy Animal Centre is a self financing charity and the Fun Dog Show is one of the many fund raising events that take place on the Field of Dreams throughout the year. We are especially grateful to all our volunteers and supporters who make such events possible and our main sponsors Brick Kiln Nursery, Advanced Security and Oving Dog Training.

We would like to thank Mark of www.picmeout.com for giving so much of his time to not only take all the pictures but to add the galleries to our website, we really are very grateful.