Dannevirke: Blown away by pooch entries

Lois Stricker and Memphis, her cavalier King Charles spaniel, cope with 100km gale-force winds at the Ruahine Kennel Association's two-day show at the A&P Showgrounds. Photo / Christine McKay

Despite gale-force winds, there were few scratchings at Ruahine Kennel Association's annual Dog Dayz show over the weekend.

Dogs were barking madly into the wind as owners tried to groom them, but Tim Delaney, president of the association, said it was still a successful event with 430 entries on each day.

"The oval looked a bit like a bomb site and some were jokingly calling it the A&P wind farm, but it was a wonderful show, enjoyed by most."

Nadine Bissett from Napier

Mr Delaney said the oval looked less festive without the gazebos up, but he was delighted with the number of entries.

"We had 28 French bulldogs entered and I thought there would be a number of scratchings, but 26 turned up."

However, Mr Delaney said they were looking at a new date for the event.

"We can't have it in winter or spring and we'll have to negotiate a new date with the national body," he said.

Competitors were still smiling, despite the 100km winds, but some said they were puffed running into the wind and grooming caused some headaches for owners and their pooches.

"How long do I spend on this?" Napier's Nadine Bissett asked as she tried to tame Henry's mane. "Hairspray would be a help."

Nadine and her family thought they would drive back on Saturday night, rather than camping in Dannevirke.

However, Gael Sharp's St Bernard, Arnie had his feet planted on the ground.

With two St Bernard's at her Pokeno home, Gael admitted they can almost eat her out of house and home.

"You've got to be employed to own dogs like these, but at least Arnie is well anchored in the wind," she said.