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Dubai pet show a huge draw

Close to 30,000 residents and pet owners turned out for the show. Pet owners and charity organisers alike were keen to see the event return next year for the 21^st episode, but finding a venue is becoming a challenge, according to event organiser Maya Theodory. “We only got this venue three weeks ago and we nearly had to postpone it,” Theodory said.

“We’re finding it difficult to find a venue. At the moment Nad Al Sheba is confirmed for next year, but the year after we hope the Meydan site or may be the new facility at Exiles Rugby Club can come up with a space for us.”

Keeping costs down at the venue, with potential site hire costs and free entrance, also posed challenges. However, Theodory said the day ran smoothly with an estimated turnout of 30,000 people and more than 1,000 dogs registered. While it was an enjoyable day out for Anna Mills and her two boxers, Bentley and Mini, it is also an important fundraiser for charities like K9 Friends and Feline Friends.

“For us it’s more about a day out for the dogs and letting them socialise and see other dogs,” she said. “Often there’s nowhere to go where you can do that in Dubai although it’s getting better.”

Feline Friends co-chairperson Lesley Muncey said the event was also vital in raising awareness about their work.

“We’ve had three cats homed and everyone is enquiring especially about fostering,” Muncey said.

K9 Friends also had hordes of people coming by to see their dogs and donate while homes would be selected in the coming days.

A hit with the crowd were the shows by the Dubai and Abu Dhabi Police K9 teams.

Young children lined up for the demonstrations and a Labrador ran along the row and stopped beside the ‘suspect’, time and again getting it right.

Abu Dhabi Police K9 veterinarian Elsiddeg Mustafa said there were more than 300 dogs in the Abu Dhabi Police alone, each trained from nine months old into different specialities, such as sniffer dogs which checked cars for narcotics along the UAE’s borders.

In the show ring, proud pet owners strutted with their pooches, each sure of picking up a prize.

Winners included Marley in the crossbreed category, Monty in the child handler category (age 9 onwards) and Bahea (age 5 to 9).

Some of the funniest prizes came later in the day with competitions for the best puppy on show, best six legs, dog most like owner, waggiest tail, and best fancy dressed dog.

• UAE