City’s going barking mad!
Treat for pooch fans as Scotland’s first indoor canine consumer show launches
THOUSANDS of dog lovers are set to flock to Glasgow this weekend as Scotland’s biggest dog show hits the city.
The Dog Lover Show, the first indoor canine consumer show to be held in Scotland, is taking over the SEC today and tomorrow.
Organisers have promised a “fantastic” day out for all the family where pet owners can enjoy performances and displays from some of the most talented dogs in the UK.
The chance to meet 30-plus breeds and visit shows Vets Features, Grooming, Training and Children’s features will also be on offer.
Over 100 exhibitors will have everything any dog could ever wish for in what’s being labelled as a “doggy heaven.”
Saturday’s presenter, Evening Times columnist and actress Libby McArthur, and Sunday’s presenter, Mark Cox, will be introducing a great show on the main stage.
Libby described exactly what dog lovers can expect. She said: “There will be performances and displays from some of the most talented dogs and dog acts in the UK. The morning show starts at 10.15am and the afternoon show starts at 2pm.
“The show will begin with a cracking crowd pleaser from Crufts, heelwork winner Heather Smith and her dancing dog. Then we have Mark Wylie and The Drakes of Hazard, a live Flyball Competition with the Super Sonic Saltires, team competitions with the UK Disc Dog Association and a training and agility performance from Mordor Gundogs.”
There will also be a musical performance by Emiah, a singer-songwriter from Glasgow, who will be performing tracks from the newly released, ‘Paws, Play, Relax’ album. All the tracks on the album are based on the results of collaborative scientific research between Scotland’s animal welfare charity and researchers at the University of Glasgow and aimed at relaxing dogs. CDs will be for sale with all proceeds going to the Scottish SPCA.
Event organiser Robin Chalmers added: “When we were designing The Dog Lover Show, we knew we wanted a really great entertainment element. We wanted to educate dog lovers by having vets, groomers and trainers on hand to resolve any concerns that people have about their own dogs. There is a whole host of nutrition experts around too.
“The idea behind doing Meet the Breed Clubs, all 30 of them, is also to inform and show the characteristics of the different breeds that are best suited to each dog lovers particular lifestyle, answering questions such as how much exercise they need? Are they good with kids? How much stimulation and training is required? What breed is best suited a family, or a single person, or a couple?
“So many dogs are bought on a whim and abandoned each year. We really need to educate people about what they are taking on and promote sensible dog ownership. It just breaks my heart and it’s why we felt that an important part of the event had to be having a many charities there as we could possibly get in.
“We’re excited about our first big event. We have a great show, over 100 stalls, 30 breed clubs and lots of experts. Please give generously to the charities attending and remember – leave your own dog at home. You can spoil them later with all the cracking treats you can buy at The Dog Lover Show.”
Advance tickets are £8 and children go free. Walk-up tickets are £10. Visit thedoglovershow.co.uk for more details.
‘‘ We really need to promote sensible dog ownership