Nowton Park comes alive to the sounds of dog woofs and wagging tails

Nowton Park came alive to the sound of woofs, wagging tails and plenty of clapping during this year’s Paws in the Park dog show in aid of the Hospice.

 The dog-themed family fun day, which saw more than 2,000 people and their pets, pack in to the park near Bury St Edmunds on Sunday, 19 May, raised £13,000 for St Nicholas Hospice Care, which supports people living with dying, death and grief across West Suffolk and Thetford.

The occasion included a fun dog show, plus agility and gundog scurry have-a-go opportunities and feature demonstrations from the Lowestoft Dog Agility and Norfolk and Suffolk Constabulary Police Dogs.

As well as dog-themed fun a variety of children’s amusements and trade stands also helped to keep visitors of all ages occupied.

Charlie De-Moore, the hospice’s events fundraiser, said:

 “It really was a brilliant day and we were so pleased to welcome so many wonderful dogs of all breeds, shapes and sizes. They had so much fun taking part in the activities. It was also lovely to see families getting involved and people watching the classes

 “We are so grateful to everyone who came along on the day and supported us. The money the event has raised really will make a huge difference to us as we continue to equip and provide support to people across our community.

“A huge thank you must go to our co-organisers Swayne & Partners, without their relentless efforts the day really would not have been the success it was.

 “Our thanks also go to our brilliant volunteers for their support throughout the day, as well as our main sponsors Chassis Cab, and everyone who sponsored the dog show classes.”

Hayley Patrick, senior nurse, Swayne & Partners, spent the day handing out goodie bags to the prize-winning pooches from the 17 classes, which included Dog That Looks Most Like Its Owner and Best Disney Dog.

Hayley said: “It was a great day with plenty of amazing dogs and of course congratulations to all the winners.”

Best in Show prize went to Dolly, the 18-month-old Rottweiler from Woodbridge, who took the fame of winning in her stride. Proud owners Allanah and Oakley Latham, gave her plenty of hugs as she received her winning red rosette from Duncan Hole, Senior Vet, Swayne & Partners.

Dozer, an English Bull Terrier cross, won the Dog That Looks Most Like its Owner category. Owner Ben Scott was thrilled his three-year-old rescue dog won.

Ben said: “Dozer was eight weeks old when he was found wondering the snowy streets of Braintree in Essex on Christmas Day. He was 11 weeks old when I got him from the Danahar Animal Home.”

He said: “This is the third time I’ve come along to the show that is a great event for a good cause.”

Three year-old Pomeranian Rambo, won the Best Disney Doggy category. His owner, Bethony Miles, donned him with a top hat and velvet jacket and dressed him up as the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland.

A collection of food and drink stands also helped to keep everyone fed and watered throughout the day and there was trade stands for shoppers.

Photo: Best in Show prize went to Dolly, the 18-month-old Rottweiler from Woodbridge.