fp Turks and Caicos

The woofers bowWOWed the crowd at the 8th Annual Turks and Caicos Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Dog Show held under the big tent at Turtle Cove Marina on May 26.

More than 50 dogs strutted their stuff before dog lovers from across the TCI, taking prizes and applause for three hours and raising more than $20,000 for the not for profit organization.

The coveted “Best In Show” Blue Ribbon and trophy went to Ben, a very handsome rescued golden retriever from the U.S., who also took first place in the “Dog the Judges would most like to Take Home” category and third place for “Best Looking Male.” Owner Hanna Davies was delighted with her pet and the prizes.

Mary Lou VanderHeide (Clarity Marketing) emceed the event,  and had the crowds roaring with her pithy comments about dogs and owners. Judges this year were Peggy Perkins of Turks and Caicos Veterinary Associates, as always sporting a delightful straw hat; Donna Doran of Pampered Paws; Dr. Mark Butler, our government veterinarian; and Jason Forbes of Fortis TCI.

Fortis was once again the lead sponsor of the event, and Graceway IGA together with Pedigree donated dog food prizes for all the winners. Special guest Ernie Jackson of Fortis TCI and Heather Forbes, founder of the Potcake Foundation which provides funding to the TCSPCA through sales of their wonderful jewelry and T-shirts, were on hand to pin ribbons on hounds and hand over prizes to their owners.

Onlookers munched on excellent fare provided by Tiki Hut, and raffle tickets, T-shirts and doggie stuff were for sale as the events unfolded.

From “Best Trick” to “Best in Show,” there were eight competitions this year. Tiny dogs, giant dogs and every size in between romped around the ring. It was an excellent showcase for the hundreds of varieties of man’s best friend, and they wore coats of many colours and styles. As always at this boisterous event, the dogs behaved with courtesy and curiosity, meeting and greeting their fellow competitors with grace.

Businesses and individuals across the TCI generously donated the raffle ticket prizes, all 18 of them. They included dinners for two, nights at resorts, spa treatments and watersports excursions, rounds of golf and designer perfumes.

During intermission, Mr. Nobody from Beaches created one of his amazing paintings in literally minutes, which he then held up. It was unrecognizable. Then with a flourish he turned the painting 180 degrees and the audience beheld a portrait of a border collie.

The afternoon affair, from 3-7 p.m., was filled with music, children’s laughter and the joyful barking of the dogs.  It could not have happened without the dedication of the TCSPCA volunteers, two of whom thought nothing of spending their birthday setting up the event and helping to take it down at the end of the afternoon.

Pre-event publicity was donated by Power 92 & KISS FM, and the loos were provided by TCI Sanitation.

Susan Blehr and all the gang at the TCSPCA say a huge thank you to everyone for coming out, with or without a dog on leash, to make this one of the biggest events of the Dog Show history.

Blehr said it is this enthusiasm and support that helps the organization to work for the betterment of all the animals in the TCI, every day, all year, and every year.

Dog show results

Best In Show
“Ben” Owned By Hanna Davies

Best Trick
1. “Dylan & Radar,” Kathi Barrington
2. “Milo,” Nighah Garland
3. “Brooksie,” Paul “Cheeze” Beresford

Most Original Potcake
1. “Jazz,” Shara Bowen
2. “One Eye Jack,” Hannah Trayler
3. “Shadow,” Benjamin Saunders

Dog The Judges Would Most Like To Take Home
1. “Ben,” Hanna Davies
2. “Boca,” Alison Williams
3. “Achilles Flash,” Mike Michael

Looks Most Like Owner
1. “One Eye Jack,” Mason Traylor
2. “Mott Lee,” Mike Robertson
3. “Golden Lily,” Olympia Campbell

Dog With The Most Unusual Tail
1. “Coco,” Scott Hagan
2. “BJ,” Joan Hagen
3. “Blaze,” Karen Whitt

Best Looking Female
1. “Brooksie,” Paul “Cheeze” Beresford
2. “Jazz,” Shara Bowen
3. “Golden Lily,” Olympia Campbell

Best Looking Male
1. “Colby,” Amez Hakoura
2. “Blackcomb,” Dave Bozer
3. “Ben,” Hanna Davis

Photo: One Eyed Jack, with proud handler Mason Traylor, won Dog Who Looks Most Like Owner.