Furry friends in all shapes and sizes at the Show
As a child, Kununurra animal lover Florence Maude remembers watching the motley assortment of dogs parading at agricultural shows in her native Victoria.
“That was my favourite bit,” she says.
“I liked seeing all the different shapes and sizes.”
Now, with a puppy of her own, Ms Maude is thrilled at the opportunity to show him off at the 40th Annual Kununurra Agricultural Show this month.
Albert, known affectionately as Albie, is an Australian Shepherd with “blue merle” colouring.
After Ms Maude lost her long-time best friend Ponky to old age last year, it took some time before she could consider introducing a new dog to her home.
Finally, seven months ago, she requested one of a litter of pups from her favourite breed.
She said the agricultural show would be an opportunity to treat Albert to a dog’s day out.
“I think it will be fun and I think it’s a good chance to get out for the day with your dog,” she said.
“It’s nice to get the breed out as well because he is a bit of an unusual breed. I think it’s nice for people to see all of the different breeds.”
The popular Bayer Dog Show will have categories for the best kept puppies and small, medium and large dogs of pure and mixed breeds.
The Porscha and Cobber Memorial Award is offered to one lucky canine “veteran” and there are accolades for the “smiliest” dog, “waggliest” tail and the best kept “tripod”.
One furry friend will also be crowned the dog most like its owner.
The winning dogs are then judged for the title of Champion or Reserve Champion puppy or dog, with cash prizes donated by JAB Industries.
Ms Maude said she would enter Albert in any class he was eligible for.
As an Australian Shepherd he has a naturally stumpy tail, so she suggested the “best kept” section might be more suitable than that for the “waggliest” tail.
“He is an indoor dog so I have to keep him quite clean so he gets a little bit of grooming once a week and I confess to Moroccan Oil on him,” she said.
The Grab A Bargain Dog Novelty Challenge will also be held straight after the dog show.
