fp Turks and Caicos

Turtle Cove Marina is going to the dogs on Saturday, May 26.

From 4-7 p.m. the hounds will rule as they compete for fun prizes in esoteric categories like “Dog with the curliest tale.”

It’s the 8th annual Turks and Caicos Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals dog show. It has grown from an event held in the parking lot of the IGA back in 2004 to a major crowd pleaser attended by dog lovers, owners and tourists.

The annual dog show welcomes dogs of every ilk, from purebreds to potcakes, and the attendees come in every size, colour and coat imaginable. Many of the entrants are shown by children who spend hours grooming (and often dressing) their pets for the big show.

While they wait their turn in the ring, parents and children take advantage of the food and beverages available under the big tent, compare notes with other owners and watch their dogs meet and greet their four footed compatriots. It is always surprising just how well behaved the canines are when introduced to so many strange dogs in this party atmosphere.

The TCSPCA Dog Show is THE fundraiser of the year for the charitable organization which seeks to ensure that every animal in the TCI has the right and the means to quality of life. Sponsors ante up to advertise in the program.

Raffle tickets, T-shirt and cap sales augment the take, and even the small entry fee for each event makes this show vital to the continuing good works of the TCSPCA.

Since 2009, Fortis TCI has been the lead sponsor of the show as part of their support of local community activities which benefit the youth of the TCI. Every entrant receives a doggy bag of treats each year, and the first, second and third placers in each category win prizes donated by major sponsors Graceway IGA and Pedigree Dog Food. Add to that the more than one dozen fabulous prizes for the raffle, donated by generous TCI companies, and everyone goes home happy.

The show often includes demonstration in doggy arts. One year, the TCI Customs Canine Unit gave a demonstration with their drug-sniffing dog.

Another year Pampered Paws’ obedience class showed off its well-behaved charges in the ring at half time.

An especially interesting attraction was an artist from Beaches who drew two pictures, upside down, which turned out to be, when turned upright, delightful portraits of a dog and a cat. He accomplished this amazing feat in minutes.

Each year the events are different, but there are a few classics that are always included: Best Trick, Dog who Looks Most like Owner, and Fastest Time through the Obstacle Course. This last event is particularly silly, with owners going through the hoops themselves, to cajole their pets to negotiate tunnels and moving planks and winding courses.

It takes a large team of dedicated volunteers to produce the show each year. Preparation begins about three months in advance, and each year the community has responded with generosity and good humour.

The results allow the TCSPCA to carry on their inexpensive spay/neuter clinic, education programs in the schools covering responsible pet ownership and outreach clinics on the sister islands, where there is no veterinary care at all. As unwanted puppies and abandoned older dogs often find their way into care at the TCSPA, the dog show income and other fundraisers help cover the cost of food (as much as $1,000 per month for these waifs), medical treatment and boarding when foster homes are full.

The TCSPCA Dog Show happens just once a year, but care of animals across the TCI is a 24/7 proposition. If you would like to help by donating time, money or services, please call TCSPCA Director Susan Blehr at 941-8846.

See you at the show!

Photo: Peaches was “Best in show” in 2011 (Richard Green/Staff)