Sunday 24 September 2023 was the date for our inaugural Ultimutt Dog’s Day Out event and what a pawsome adventure we all had!
From the wonderful stallholders showcasing their products and services to the fabulous dog display team who delighted the crowds on the Skipwith Lawn, there was something for everyone at this family- and dog-friendly occasion. There were even surprise appearances from two very famous dogs – Marshall and Skye from Paw Patrol; the squeals of delight from our younger dog lovers were audible as were the very happy barks throughout the day!
Members of our wonderful Parents' Association were also in full action manning the craft, tombola, bouncy castle, merchandise and dog show registrations alongside Mrs Wyndham-Smith, who guided a full array of dogs through, over and under the agility course.
We were also greeted by an amazing array of four-legged friends – all on impeccable behaviour for the dog show where it was incredibly difficult for the Paws For Thought judges to select a top three in each category!
The Best Paw Shaker went to the Collie, Wren, who did an incredible paw tap with her owner Carole Hunt. They would then go on to take the first-place rosette for the Best Trick too! The Loveliest Lady contest was a three-way shortlist of Shiplake College families with the winning rosette going to the Australian Shepherd, Zizzi. The Best Sausage Catcher was a hotly contested category with 40 entrants and the victory, after elimination rounds, going to Enzo the Porcelain French Hound.
The judging arena was also full to the brim with 38 dogs for the Most Handsome Chap. Entrants shortlisted were the Flat-Coated Retriever, Monty, the Jack Russell, Murphy, and a Doberman called Dave, winning first, second and third respectively.
The Best Junior Handler showcased some of our young dog-owners and their agility and control with a shortlist that contained both Elvis and Pele, but after much deliberation, first place ultimately went to the Toy Cavapoo Montague and his handler, Francesca Farrell. And last but by no means least, the Golden Oldie saw three shortlisted. Pippa, Pepper and Betty, with Pippa just pipping the others to the coveted first place.
The bark-becue was a res-hounding success and the Hair of the Dog Bar was busy taking orders all afternoon. And not to be outdone, the dogs even had their own Ultimutt Ale on tap!
We even had some posing pooches enjoying the attentions of photographer Melissa Bastin who took advantage of the glorious conditions and beautiful backdrop.
The weather was wonderful, and the rain kindly stayed away which made lounging on the lawn a must. It was lovely to see so many families, and their dogs, enjoying the last few rays of summer.
To rest the dog-related puns for another year will be ruff, but we must give a round-of-a-paws to our wonderful four-legged friends for what has been an Ultimutt Dog’s Day Out indeed!
