On 16th July, Helmsdale residents and visitors braved the elements to attend our first Dog Show at Helmsdale Community Centre. Twenty-six dogs in total took part in the event at Helmsdale Community Centre, with a number of puppies watching and learning from the sidelines.

Entrants went up against each other in 10 award categories, including Best Pedigree, Best Cross-breed and Best Small Dog. All categories were judged by Rogart artist Lyn Wells who chose Iona the Border Terrier as the Dog the Judge Would Most Like to Take Home. Other winners on the day included Bruno the Staffordshire Bull Terrier for Dog with the Waggiest Tail and Kirsty the Golden Retriever for Best Veteran. Maggi the Boston Terrier picked up the award for Best Trick for her dancing skills as well as Best Dressed when she donned a pink tutu. Top prize for Best in Show went to Summer the Border Collie who, alongside her owner Catriona, was thrilled to receive the trophy.

Beverages and cake were served in the Community Centre hall where visitors could browse around tables with plants from Portgower, local crafts and the SSPCA. Braveheart Photography from Dornoch, who specialise in pet photography, had a number of their beautiful slate-mounted pictures, frames and pet-themed gifts on display and available to buy.

To close the event, the Sutherland Dog Training Group provided a particularly enjoyable agility display and offered the dogs who had taken part in the earlier competition a chance to try out the tunnels, seesaw, hurdles and slalom.

Wendy Simmonds from Dementia Friendly Communities said following the event: “We were delighted with the turn-out for our Dog Show. With the weather as it was we weren’t sure many people would come, but it didn’t seem to put anyone off. We even had some visitors from the West coast and from the south too who happened to see the signs as they were passing. It was a great day. We’d like to thank everyone who came along and supported us. We’re also grateful to Easter Ross Vets in Tain for sponsoring the rosettes and Lyn Wells for doing the hardest job of all in judging the competition.”