By KATH GANNAWAY
IF THERE was a really difficult category for the judges in the inauguaral Rotary Club of Healesville Dog’s Day Out on Sunday, it had to be ‘Best Smile’ … followed closely by ‘Waggiest Tail’.
It seemed every dog just knew it was their day … and you couldn’t wipe the smiles from their faces – or their owners.
Two rings ran throughout the day at the Don Road Sporting Complex, along with feature events including Flyball and dog handling skills by the Healesville and District Dog Club and the Grand Parade, led by Leonberger, Phoenix.
Rotary president Lesley Plumpton said the day was a great success and a really happy day.
One of the aims of the day was to allow the many people in and around Healesville who own dogs to show they are proud owners of man’s best friend.
They were all there; companion dogs, guardians, work-mates, pets, guides and the entertainers. Many of them were rescue dogs.
“Whatever role they fill in our lives, this is a day we recognise the part they play as our friends,” Ms Plumpton said.
The 18-event schedule ensured there was a place for everyone (and his/her dog), starting with Best Junior Handler and including fun events such as Gentle Giant, Best Golden Oldie, Shiniest Coat, Prettiest Pooch, Longest Ears … etc!
Winner of the Best Rescue Dog, Lyn Mullens from Dixons Creek was thrilled with Ruby’s win.
Lyn was burnt out on Black Saturday and Ruby is very much part of her life.
“It is really quite an emotional thing,” she said. “She was quite traumatised when I got her, and very thin.
“I think she has rescued me as much as I have rescued her,” she added.
It was just one of many stories people shared about the roles dogs play in their lives.
Ms Plumpton said a 2017 Dog’s Day Out is a certainty.
