Dogs put on a good show at Brandon fun day for canine charity

The Canine Partners dog show and fun day in Brandon. (Image: Archant)

The event at the Remembrance Playing Fields in Brandon was held in aid of Canine Partners, which provides assistance dogs to the disabled.

It was organised by Chloe Bellotti, who suffers from a degenerative condition and was given her assistance dog Morras by the charity a few months ago.

During the event Maddie Cowlan gave a speech about Canine Partners and its pooches on behalf of Ms Bellotti and there was demonstration from another assistance dog, Higgins, with his owner Hannah.

For visiting dog owners there was a chance for their pets to win one of eight categories in the dog show – waggiest tail, prettiest bitch, most handsome dog, best veteran, best rescue dog, best greyhound, young handler and best in show.

Hannah demonstrates with her assistance dog Higgins at the Canine Partners dog show and fun day in Brandon. (Image: Archant)

More than 30 dogs were signed up for the competitions, with judging split into two sessions.

Ms Bellotti said: “The turnout is really good even though the weather is not that great. It is good having the support from the community. Everyone has come together to promote this charity.

“There were over 30 dogs who were put up for judging and we have had plenty more here. It is nice to get them out and socialising.”

Ms Cowlan said: “Having Morras has really helped to boost Chloe’s confidence. A few months ago she would not have been able to be here with all these people together.

“They are starting to form a really serious and strong partnership.”

Canine Partners trains each of its dogs specifically for its owner, and they can be trained to do tasks from opening doors to loading a washing machine and collecting post.

It costs £20,000 to train one dog, but Ms Cowlan said this cost is easily mitigated by the years of support they can give to their disabled owners.