Gurnaaz Kaur
On a lazy Saturday afternoon, amid hooting and hollering, when some 190 pooches make way to a ground to show their beauty and behaviour, as a dog-lover, your weekend rocks!
The Royal Kennel Club Panchkula, which held its second open dog show at the Dusshera Ground, some breeds were automatically the crowd-pullers; take for instance the majestic Great Dane named Ruger or the tiny Bobby, a Miniature Pinscher. The fussier, more primped ones, including a striking black-furred (with rich tan markings) Rottweiler and a French Bulldog also won many hearts.
Pampered lot
Divided in eight groups based on their breeds and types — toy, hound, terrier, working, gundog, pinscher, pastoral, sheep and cattle —these pets were being judged for their looks, gait cleanliness, mannerism and friendliness. If it was a sight to behold for pet-lovers, it was also the dogs’ day for sure. Sniffing and growling in excitement, enjoying all the attention, they were showing off how pampered they are.
Proud owners
As the pet parents, none took it casually and made sure their baby is the best! A Dogo Argentino, who seemed quite intimidating, was in fact wagging his tail for love. “Leo is a vigilant guard but you’ll be surprised that he loves to be patted. We have him for two years now and he has given us no trouble. He and my toddler Zorawar sleep on the same bed. Leo is very protective about Zorawar. He behaves like a parent, very good with babies,” says Shekharan Singh Virk, who brought Leo to a show for the first time.
Therapy sake
With their rare presence, Hena and Simba, pure white Shepherds, made the occasion even more special. These have been imported for the state police and paramilitary forces, but unlike the guard dogs or retrievers, these are brought for therapy. “We’ve got them to a public event like this for the first time. Hena is two and Simba is four. They are known to discover about an epilepsy attack or other such conditions even before doctors, so they are a great help. Plus, we all know dogs help in stress and depression,” avers Newton Sidhu, who runs a government agency to import high-end breeds.
Afghan Hound, Whippet, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, Cocker Spaniel, English Pointer, Beagle, Siberian Husky, Akita, Chow Chow, Dachshund, For Terrier, Cane Coso, Boxer, Bullmatstiff, Saint Bernard or Samoyed, you name it and they were there to tip-toe into your hearts and sweep you off your floor!