Sly dog groom parties at expo
Mebo didn’t notice his wife’s absence the day of their wedding anniversary, he was too busy sniffing around other pooches.
The seven-year-old Maremma sheepdog was among hundreds of hounds at Taranaki’s inaugural We Love Dogs Expo on Saturday.
The event, held at The Hounds Hangout, a dog daycare centre in New Plymouth, featured about 50 stalls showcasing products, services, and seminars promoting responsible dog ownership.
But missing was Mebo’s Tibetan spaniel wife, whom the 64-kilogram sheepdog married as part of a national radio competition six years ago.
Mebo’s human friend Paula Harvey said the couple did not see much of each other nowadays, and so she instead marked his special day, which coincided with the expo, by taking him out.
‘‘He’s New Zealand’s first ever dog groom,’’ she said.
‘‘For his anniversary I’ve brought him here for his first trip to The Hounds Hangout.’’
Harvey was one of hundreds to fill the venue with their dog in tow.
Only four kilograms shy of Mebo’s impressive weight, big boy Bud was in attendance with owner, Karalyn Chapman.
The New Plymouth woman was in awe of all that was on offer, and the fact she could enjoy the company of her Leonberger while looking around.
‘‘There aren’t many events that you can take your dog to,’’ she said.
‘‘I think it’s an absolutely brilliant expo... it’s just about dogs.
‘‘I think it should be an annual event.’’
Co-organiser Denis Putt, of Greyhounds as Pets (GAP), said the day had exceeded expectation and so there was definitely potential for a repeat event.
‘‘I think there is a hope for that,’’ he said.
The expo was the culmination of a three-month effort between GAP, The Hounds Hangout and Antill Pet Photography.
Putt said it came from a shared desire to help promote responsible dog ownership and bringing the dog community together.
‘‘We want people to be able to better understand what they can do with their dogs and how they can improve their dogs’ lives.’’
All proceeds from the day will go to GAP, a charity which works to rehome retired racing greyhounds.
‘‘We’ve got three kennels across the country and there are 30 to 40 greyhounds in there at any given time.
‘‘And we’ve always got another 70 to 80 waiting to come in,’’ he said.