FRANKIE GOES TO MUDGEERABA FOR FAMILY FUN DAY
MAN’S best friend is getting the deluxe treatment on the Gold Coast this weekend as thousands of pet lovers converge for Australia’s largest dog market.
Paws at the Park at Mudgeeraba brings together the weird and wonderful of the dog world, showcasing treats, leashes, the latest doggie fashions, massages and acupuncture.
Though his face might tell a different story, one of the market’s biggest fans is threeyear-old pug Frankie.
According to his owner Mikki Childs, Frankie loves looking “dapper” for a crowd.
“My daughter took him to the flower crown-making station which is great ... and she was so excited because he walked around with it on all day,” she said.
“He volunteers at a nursing home where my mum works a lot, so whenever he goes he puts on his flower crowns and his little handkerchiefs and the residents love it.”
He’ll be donning his Sunday best for the third year to support Ms Childs’ sister Lia Ferguson, who started the event with friend Jenna Schroeder.
With Ms Schroeder selling doggie teas and ice cream and Ms Ferguson running a dog homewares business, the pair combined to create the dog-friendly event.
“It’s things you wouldn’t think of. One of the stalls does beer and cappuccinos for dogs, so it can get pretty out there,” Ms Ferguson said.
Almost 10,000 people and 100 stalls are expected to be at Mudgeeraba Showgrounds on Sunday. In 2016, 500 people attended.
Ms Ferguson said Paws at the Park had something for everyone, whether you have two legs or four.
“It’s just a great family, free event that you can bring your pet to. It’s more than just a market.”