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WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2009 19
Metrolife
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Best in
show
Pampered pooches put their best paw forward
people our dogs.
Normally we work
to scoop the canine crown, writes Eve Dugdale
undercover so people
don’t see what we do.”
So what exactly will
T
he lights are on, the stage is ‘Ukranian champion’ and the the judges be looking
prepared and admiring fans are other was crowned ‘Grand for on the day?
poised with their cameras. Ukranian champion’. Marian Spavin, one of
Tamara’s stylist is brushing her It’s not all fun and games though - this year’s judges, has
softly conditioned locks, Rio’s Galina dedicates hours to her dogs. been assessing
having his perfectly snipped talons “It takes lots of preparation, international dog
filed, while Jessie’s lashes are being because it’s not just that I have a competitions for almost
expertly tweaked to give her that dog and wash it the day before; it 50 years and judges the
cute puppy dog eyes effect. takes lots of work,” she says. prestigious Crufts show Her whippet “Dog shows are
It’s a good thing she’s a spaniel and “I think I dedicate more time to my every year. Sasha (pictured above right) usually funded by sponsors or
can pull off the look quite easily! dogs than my job. Her granddaughter won was overall winner of the show in the public through registration
This weekend the annual Pedigree “In general its good fun, but I do Crufts last year with a beagle. 2007 and received the second prize fees,” says Martina.
and Whiskas Pet Show will take get really nervous, and excited.” “Each breed of dog has a map; a set last year. “But this one is paid for by Pedigree
place at Festival City. Making sure the fun is under of proportions that is considered Along with other members of the and Whiskas; all money raised goes
Last year’s show attracted 30,000 control on the day will be Major right for that breed. I measure the dog club, she’ll be handling the to K9 friends and other charities.”
people and 1,000 pets and Abdul Al Shamsi of Dubai Police proportions by eye and quickly agility ring at the show and is very Dog lovers are urged to get down to
promoters say this year promises to canine section. The Police have touch them to check that the each passionate about the event. Festival city to check it out.
be even bigger, with some real top been involved in the show for 15 section is proportioned correctly.
dogs competing. years and Major Al Shamsi says “Then I judge them on how the dog
Galina Shapareva-Deloof-Sys, who they relish the opportunity to moves. It depends on the quality of
GET OFF YOUR LEAD
lives in Dubai, won the puppy and demonstrate the skills of their dog to win, not the breed. Dubai Pet Show takes place on competitions such as dogs who
terrier class with her Akita and West German Shepherds and Labradors. “A dog is judged on how it copies Saturday from 8.45am to 5pm at look like their owners.
Highland Terrier last year. There are 72 dogs in the canine the breed’s map, how it moves and Dubai Festival city. Children’s activities including
But that’s just small fry for Galina, section of Dubai police and all are charisma. In the Crossbreed Registration for dogs begins at fairground rides, clowns, a
who has been taking part in Dubai brought over from Europe. section grooming and presentation 8.45am and pedigree shows will bouncy castle and a craft village
pet show for the last ten years. “They are already trained to work are everything, but in the Pedigree take place all morning. will run throughout the day.
The avid dog fan, who travels with the Police, but to specialise section it’s all about breeding.” The afternoon will see police dogs For more information on Dubai
worldwide to show her cool them for what we do takes four One owner hoping she gets it right show their skills on the floor. Dog Club visit their web site
canines has just returned from Kiev to six months. again is Martina Boor, organiser of From 3pm to 5pm there will be fun www.dubaidogclub.com
where one of her dogs won the title “We like to take part to show the Dubai Dog Club.
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