Sandwell dog show goes down a treat

Canine competitors of all breeds battled it out at a Black Country park to be named the best of the best.

Harley on the HJM Agility Course. He won waggiest tale and also best in show. belongs too: Annette Sillitoe. Hes a Labradoodle

Dog owners and their furry friends flocked to Tividale Park to show of their talents at the second Paws 4 Thought event.

The fun dog show and agility displays wowed the crowds on Sunday.

Sarah Fairbairn with Axel and Karen Robinson with Theo from HEART (Husky Education Aid Rescue Team)

Among the winners was Harley, a Labradoodle who claimed the Best in Show and Waggiest Tale awards.

It was all organised by The Friends of Tividale Park, K9 Search UK and Sandwell Council Parks Team, with hundreds of pounds being raised for the park and various charities including the Husky Education Aid Rescue Team.

Jennie Dhanjal, who is the founder of K9 Search UK, said: "The turnout was good, much better than last year – there was a couple of hundred I reckon.

"It was a good day, a really good day. There were 10 classes, including best in show.

"There was an award for Golden Oldie, for dogs aged eight and over, and a rescue dog won that.

"Her name is Lippy, she is riddled with cancer and has a cleft lip so it was quite emotional.

Olivia-Megan Mole 3 from Oldbury with Bailey the Chow Chow (not her dog)

"She is around 11 or 12, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier – a gorgeous dog who still does plenty of running about.

"There was also awards for Most Handsome Male and Dog Most Like Its Owner, and people seemed to enjoy it."

Children and their parents were catered for with bouncy castles, trade and charity stalls and food and refreshments at the event on Sunday, which ran from 11am until 5pm.

Jennie plans to hold another Paws 4 Thought day next year, at Buffery Park in Dudley.

She added: "All the charities I spoke to said they did relatively well, better than last year.

"There was dog rescue charities and then there was other charities like Help for Heroes and fostering agency Active Care Solutions.

Justin Buthlay 5 from Romsley with Biff the Norfolk/Jack Russell cross

"We are looking to do it again in Buffery Park next year. We haven't got a date confirmed yet but it will probably be around June or July time."

Sandwell Councillor Susan Downing, who represents the Oldbury ward which covers Tividale Park and serves on The Friends of Tividale Park committee, said: "It was a great success, I think everybody had a fabulous day.

"I think everything went smoothly and it was really enjoyable.

"The Friends of Tividale Park, we did a survey to find out what people want to see done to the park.

"We are always open to recommendations and are looking for new members."