RSPCA PNG resumed their Dog Show for the first time since COVID-19, on Saturday, October 14th 2023 at Sir John Guise Stadium with a fun-filled program with a variety of great prizes and activities that had dog owners and families could participate in.
General Manager David Thompson, in a statement said that the RSPCA Dog Show was a way to both bring the community together as well as promote awareness.
The event was previously an annual event but due to the covid-19 pandemic restrictions, the organization did not host dog shows for the past two years.
“It’s really to bring a community together and have an awareness program at the same time.”
“People bring their dogs here to participate and win prizes.”
“At the same time our education team actually get more opportunities to spread awareness on our organization and what it stands for and it introduces us to the community and what we can all do together.”
There were a total of eight Performing Categories that included categories like Best Groomed, Dog Obedience, Smartest Dog Trick and many more that Dog Owners had to choose from and register their furry friends.
“We only had eleven dogs registered this year and it could be bigger but it’s really difficult but hopefully next year we’ll have a few more and we will hopefully keep this going back into an annual event.”
Thompson was appreciative of the RSPCA Dog Show Sponsors that showed up including the major sponsor Marketing 2000 Pet care, Brian Bell Group, Pascoe Productions, Pedigree, Legend Fm and Total Event Company and was grateful also to their partners; RPNGC, Bomana Dog Unit, Foodco PNG, Yatch club and Sir John Guise stadium TEC and Patron of RSPCA PNG, Governor General Sir Bob Dadae.
Sir Dadae explained that the Dog Show was also a fundraising event that will help RSPCA PNG to continue its outreach programs in the three main areas which are: its adoption programs which include the shelter and its animals, the education program-which is for human awareness in primary schools and operation wantok- which covers animal population control.
“I’d like to take this time to acknowledge the good work of the RSPCA PNG in promoting animal welfare in the country. I support the cause to discourage the hunting of rare animals at the risk of extinction.”
His Excellency further stated that we as humans need to show more empathy towards animals and strongly discouraged animal cruelty.
“Our approach towards animals is a reflection of our personal behavior and attitudes.”
“Caring attitude for animals prospers profession and kindness to fellow humans.”
Meanwhile there were SME Stall spaces available that saw small businesses come out to sell food, drinks and other crafty items and there were 8 Categories of skills that were on display on the day with only eleven entries.
Competition was tough but everyone went home with a reward for their efforts.
Doggies and owners walked away with Gift Vouchers for RSPCAPNG Goods and Services.
The winners of the 2023 RSPCA DOG SHOW in their respective Categories are:
Best Groomed: Charlotte
Dog Obedience: Zeus
Smartest Dog Trick: Zeus
Most Interesting Coloured Fur: Leila
Most Original Attire: Leila
Fastest Time Speed in Dog Show: Lilly
Most Elegant and Agile Walk: Charlotte
The Best Sniffer/Nose at seeking a treat: Charlotte and Butterscotch.