Despite record temperatures nearly 60 dogs were entered into the Dog Show at the Cuckoo Fayre on Bank Holiday Monday.
The top prize of “Best in Show” was won by handsome Doberman – Lurcher cross breed ‘Indie’ having qualified by winning the “Best Cross Breed”.
The show is run as part of the Independent State of Cuckfield’s Annual May Bank Holiday event the Cuckoo Fayre.
In the record heat, the safety of the pets was top priority. The team from The Mewes Vets, who were running the show, had bought some extra gazebos, a great deal of water and even a paddle pool designated just for canines to cool off in!
Julia Mewes, lead Vet at the Mewes, and Judge of the show made an announcement about dog safety before the show began, and fortunately only one incident, which was non heat related, needed to be dealt with by her caring team.
Meanwhile the strongest competition was seen for the “Handsomest Dog”, with 25 entries, packing the show ring with the best local talent. Pomeranian – Husky cross ‘Leo’ won this with his unusual blue eyes and gorgeous face.
But the most exciting class turned out to be the “Best Biscuit Catcher”, which came down to a ‘catch-off’ when ‘Millie’, a cross breed, and ‘Pepper’ the Labrador both achieved the same score. Biscuits were going higher and higher as each demonstrated their amazing skills, but eventually it was Pepper who caught just one more, taking first prize.
Julia Mewes said “It was incredibly hard to judge this year, as there were so many wonderful entries. I particularly struggled with the Fancy Dress, choosing between a colourful bee-pug, a Millie-fairy, Brodie alias Chewbacca, but in the end I chose the Beauty and the Beast tableau arranged by Labradors Oscar, Elvis and friends.
I am so proud of the wonderful team from The Mewes who gave up their own Bank Holiday to create such an enjoyable day out for other dog lovers. They were brilliant, ensuring that dogs could have a drink whilst being judged, and helping them into the paddle pool or using the wet towels to stay nice and cool.
I would like to thank the new team from the Independent State of Cuckfield, who kept the Cuckoo Fayre going this year, despite fears that it might not continue, and all the wonderful pet owners who joined us for a super day out. And a special thank you to last minute stand-in judge, Shirley, who helped out whilst I was dealing with a medical emergency.”
Full list of first prize winners:
Waggiest Tail: Coco Calontori (Yorkshire terrier)
Handsomest Dog: Leo Dalgliesh (Pomeranian x Husky)
Dog with the Best Trick: Jekyll China (Collie cross)
Prettiest Bitch: Nala Stewart (Cockerpoo)
Best Pedigree: Duke Barton (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel)
Best Junior Handler: Zoe Crocker (poodle)
Best Biscuit Catcher: Pepper Duffield (Labrador)
Best Cross Breed: Indie Hanna (Doberman x Lurcher)
Best Fancy Dress: Oscar and Elvis Hughes (Labradors/Beasts!)
Best in Show: Indie Hanna (Doberman x Lurcher)
Photos courtesy of Woody Salvage
