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DOG DAYS

Cheechee chills out on the shoulder rest of her two legged couch; a time bounded indulgence until he grows to his full size as a great Dane. Only the Arabian salukis display the balance shared with their strange hunting partners. Here does the canine rule.

As many as 30,000 people flocked to the grounds at Nad Al Sheba on Friday for the 18th Dubai Pet Show sponsored by Pedigree and Whiskas. And the dogs came to meet old friends and make new ones; to see and be seen. While some were simply keen to show off their running skills by chasing after a small plastic lure others were happy to dress up in somewhat unusual garb.

"It was really my mother's idea," says Alicia Fernandez, joint prizewinner of the Best Fancy Dressed Dog category.

Today, Alicia sports an attractive check waitress' outfit complete with tray of mustard and tomato ketchup while her dachshund tolerates its disguise as a hot dog. Did she expect to win?

"Well, yes!" (Not much ego there then.)

As with all dog shows, the ultimate prize is that of the Pedigree Best in Show.

"The dogs need to be in perfect condition and every breed has its own laid down breed standards," says Frank Kane, one of the four international judges. "For example if it's a poodle, we're looking for long hair, a short back, a long neck and very elegant deportment on the move. In a rotweiler we're looking for a broad skull, a sturdy well ribbed body and a rich black coat with rich tan markings."

So what is the judges tip for Best in Show?

"I have a good idea," says Andrew Brace, a judge all the way from darkest Wales, "but I'm certainly not going to tell you!"

In fact the winner is an adorable miniature pinscher with large pointed ears. So what if, as one person remarked, it look like a brown bat without wings?

"I think Diesel deserved to win," says Ashwitha Thomas proudly. "Last year he came second and the year before he came fourth. We'll be back again next year."

But perhaps the real stars of the show are Lachlan the golden retriever and Karen who unwaveringly accepted him after he was rescued by Jackie Ratcliffe of K9. Now with glossy coat and bright eyes, Lachlan and Karen receive their very own special prize. (Nota bene — the coat reference relates to Lachlan alone.)

"There was no hair on his body and he'd scratched himself sore," Jackie remembers. "And so contagious but Karen and her mum didn't mind. This is the first time that we've seen him since last November and it's amazing. He's brilliant and a real star."

As the organisers state, the Pet Show should be, and is, a fun day out but there is a serious aspect. The vets from Dubai Municipality are there to educate people in the dangers of diseases and to promote animal welfare. Volunteers from K9 and Feline Friends remind people that to have an animal as a friend requires commitment. And if you have that commitment, to give a home to one of their many charges rather than rush to a pet shop.

"I think that it has gone well," says Maya Theodory, Petcare Category Manager and organiser. "The feedback is very good and there are a lot more happy people this year. One key issue is responsible pet ownership and all the profits go to K9 and Feline Friends."

Pet ownership? What is she talking about?