Dog charity’s 30th show put on ‘paws’
But there are plans for virtual Scrufts instead
A dog charity has been forced to cancel its annual show due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Perthshire-based PADS’ annual ‘Scrufts’ Dog Show normally attracts hundreds of pets and owners every year.
It was due to take place on August 15, with the charity using it to celebrate its 30th anniversary.
But like most events across the nation, the virus has made it impossible to hold the show safely.
This is the second year running that the Perthshire Abandoned Dogs Society has had to cancel this hugely popular event held in Dunning.
PADS chair Alison Kennedy said:
“Last year the dog show was called off at the last minute due to horrendous weather conditions and this year this awful virus has stepped in to destroy our event.
“We waited as long as we could to see what might happen over the summer, but even if large gatherings had got the go-ahead over the next couple of weeks – which is very unlikely – we could never hope to re-organise everything in time. The only option was to cancel.”
She added: “This year is the charity’s 30th anniversary and we had planned to make it a really special one, with lots of fun at our events - including the dog show or course.
“We will just have to miss out a year and celebrate the anniversary in 2021.
“In the last 30 years this charity has found homes for around 8000 unwanted dogs and 2020 is a big year for us.
“This is a huge disappointment and we are sorry also for all the people who were looking forward to our show.”
The PADS show normally draws eager canine competitors from as far away as Aberdeen, Edinburgh and even beyond.
It is a ‘must be there’ social event for many.
Alison continued: “Hopefully we will all be back to near normal next summer and the show will go ahead.
“That would be third time lucky for us so fingers – and paws – crossed.”
Plans are now being put in place for a virtual Scrufts to take place.
Dog lovers and supporters will be asked to compete by sending in pictures of their dogs to take part in a number of classes, which are still to be decided.
These will be judged and prizes awarded to the winners. More details will be posted on PADS social media sites over the coming weeks.
The charity’s kennels at Forteviot have been closed to the public since the March lockdown began.
However, Alison said it is hoped that careful planning to protect both staff and prospective adopters will soon be in place to allow them to open.