Canine capers raise $1400

Stewart Milne, Havelock North, with Barney, a pug wearing a Men in Black jersey at the Birdwoods Great Dog Show held in support of the Hastings SPCA. Photo / Duncan Brown.

Pugs wearing jerseys, border terriers coloured bright green and labradors in dresses rocked up to Birdwoods' first Great Dog Show on Saturday.

The event was held in support of the Hastings SPCA and Birdwoods Gallery owner and event organiser Louise Stobart said it made a total of $1400.

"We had such a good turnout with 140 dogs and it is wonderful to be able to give the SPCA some money to acknowledge the hard work they do in the community."

Mrs Stobart said it was a very successful day but hoped next year they would get luckier with the weather.

"I could not believe it, just as 2pm hit the thunder roared and the lightning cracked so we spent most of the afternoon huddled under umbrellas."

The weather did not dampen the enthusiasm of the dogs and their owners and the judges worked hard to find the winners of the six categories.

"We had best-dressed dog, shiniest dog, ugly but adorable dog, hairiest dog, most like owner and happiest rescue dog. The biggest class was the happiest rescue dog, which was great."

Mrs Stobart said they had produced a great formula and looked forward to making the event even bigger and better next year.

"It was a very fun day out for both dogs and their owners and we received a huge amount of support for the SPCA, which was wonderful."