By DAISY SAMPSON [email protected]
Dogs, children, entertainers, trainers and guests all came together on September 19 to enjoy the eleventh annual Scruffts dog show at Fatacil in Lagoa.
Organised by the Association for the Protection of Animals in the Algarve (APAA) the popular event attracted more than 500 people and dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds and raised more than 5,000 Euros for the animal charity.
Sheena Rawcliffe, managing director of The Resident Group, opened the show and spoke of the importance of the work of the APAA in the Algarve.
“When I first moved to the Algarve 22 years ago, dogs were very low in the pecking order when it came to food, water and love but in 2010, life for most dogs is much better.”
She added: “The health and happiness of many animals would not be possible without the tireless organisation and support of the APAA and I would like to thank them for their enduring efforts while also thanking the financial support of the public and the commercial entities at this event.”
Dogs and their owners strutted their stuff in front of Pedro Albergaria, vice president of the Portuguese Kennel Club, who judged the pedigree classes, while international judge Georgie Saffin judged the mixed breeds.Top dogs on the day were Pedigree Best in Show, Henry, owned by Keith Brown, and the Mixed Breed Best in Show was rescue dog Bella, owned by Jilly Cassels while another dog owned by Jilly Cassels, Zsa Zsa the Chinese Crested dog, also won the Best Pedigree Pup class, sponsored by the Algarve Resident.However, Scruffts is more than just a judging show, it is also a chance to learn about the work done by animal charities in the Algarve and Portugal.Guests were able to view stands by ADAP from Portimão, the Bianca charity from Cascais, the São Francisco Kennels from Loulé, The Donkey Sanctuary from Estombar, Carlota e Companhia from Lagos and LAPS, represented by Bridget Hicks.Dog owners and guests were also able to shop at the trade stands of the show which included a stand from Skinner’s Pet Foods, the main sponsors of the show and other animal related services including vets, groomers and pet insurers.
The event was deemed to be a success by organisers. A spokesman for the APAA said: “It was amazing that we raised so much money, especially because of the current financial climate, and also because of the decision to have fewer trade stands in order to offer stands to other animal charities.”For further information about the APAA and their upcoming fund raising events, please visitwww.apaaportugal.com(available in English).
