PICTURES: ‘Love and kindness’ at Helmsdale dog show
A total of 30 dogs took part in this year’s Helmsdale Dog Show, with “love and kindness” at the heart of the event’s main demonstration.
The annual event attracted several visitors to the area who hadn’t planned to take part, and with the weather staying mostly dry, the event raised just over £500 for local hubs in Helmsdale, Golspie and Rogart.
Wendy Simmonds, project lead for the hubs, said after the event: “Thank you so much to the stall holders, and everyone who came along to support our dog show this year.
“Thank you to those who donated in any way and Glenmorangie for their bottle of whisky.
“Big thanks too to the Dinner To Your Door team for providing delicious food and refreshments. Our volunteers were fantastic. If it were not for their kindness and dedication thr dog show would never take place.
“We are very grateful to Sarah Smith, our brilliant judge, for having the hardest job on the day.
“The Strictly Come Barking team put on a fantastic demonstration of how with love and kindness, a dog will enjoy doing fun tricks. That's a true partnership.
“Our Helmsdale Dog Show 'Best in Show' winner was lucky enough to be presented with one of Sandra Mackenzie’s (Rogart) turkey mince cakes.
“Reserve 'Best in Show' received her tasty home made doggie biscuits. Thank you to Sandra for your kind donation to the Show.”
Helmsdale Dog Show is organised each year by The Helmsdale Village Hub, a part of Connecting Communities who offer a range of services and activities across east Sutherland.
Judging on the day was handled by Sarah Smith, of Strictly Come Barking demonstrations.
The results of the show were as follows:
Best Pedigree:
1st - Bracken the Labrador with owner Donna (Latheronwheel)
2nd - Fergus the Lhasa Apso with owner Emilee-Mae (Helmsdale)
3rd - Archie the Cairn Terrier with owner Robin (Helmsdale)
4th - Fudge the Working Cocker Spaniel with owner Wendy (Brora)
Best Cross Breed:
1st - Hamish the Cross Griffon with owner Tina (Brora)
2nd - Hugo the Cocker/Clumber (Helmsdale)
3rd - Endal the Springador with owner Tani (Invergordon)
4th - Brodie the Cavachon with owner Sophie (Tain)
Best Small Dog:
1st - Holly the Toy Poodle (Fetterangus)
2nd - Lily the Cairn Cross with owner Anne Little (Helmsdale)
3rd - Magnus the Yorkshire Terrier with owner Ruth (Helmsdale)
4th - Dot the Collie
Best Large Dog:
1st - Storm the German Shepherd (Strathpeffer)
2nd - Skye the Collie with owner Karen
3rd - Bandit the Cross Husky German Shepherd with owner Morag
(Helmsdale)
4th - Tenshi the Japanese Akita with owner Lionel (Helmsdale)
Best Veteran:
1st - Bandit the Cross Husky German Shepherd with owner Morag
(Helmsdale)
2nd - Georgie the Working Cocker Spaniel with owner Darcy (Brora)
3rd - Gracie the Springer Spaniel with owner David (Brora)
4th - Archie the Cairn Terrier with owner Robin (Helmsdale)
Best Rescue:
1st - Bessie the Husky/Labrador Cross with owner David (Helmsdale)
2nd - Gracie the Springer Spaniel with owner David (Brora)
3rd - Hamish the Cross Griffon with owner Tina (Brora)
4th - Skye the Collie with owner Karen
Best Sighthound:
1st - Freddie the Lurcher (right) with owner Shanna (Helmsdale)
2nd - Alex the Whippet (left) with owner Lucretia (Helmsdale)
3rd - Luna the Greyhouse (centre) with owner Shanna (Helmsdale)
Best in Show:
Reserve - Bessie the Husky/Labrador Cross with owner David (Helmsdale)
Best in Show - Freddie the Lurcher with owner Shanna (Helmsdale)
Most Appealing Eyes:
1st - Boo the Lhasa Apso with owner Ian (Brora)
2nd - Brodie the Cavachon with owner Sophie (Tain)
3rd - Finn the Border Collie with owner Jean (Tain)
4th - Biscotte the Dachshund (Strathpeffer)
Best Biscuit Catcher:
1st - Endal the Springador with owner Tani (Invergordon)
2nd - Bracken the Labrador Retriever with owner Donna (Latheronwheel)
3rd - Storm the German Shepherd (Strathpeffer)
4th - Skye the Collie with owner Karen
Waggiest Tail:
1st - Bonnie the Cocker Spaniel with owner Kirsty (Torrish Estate)
2nd - Fudge the Working Cocker Spaniel with owner Darcy (Brora)
3rd - Gracie the Springer Spaniel with owner David (Brora)
4th - Sputie the Springer with owner Oscar (Helmsdale)
Best 6 Legs:
1st - Biscotte the Dachshund (Strathpeffer)
2nd - Sputie the Springer with owner Oscar (Helmsdale)
3rd - Fergus the Lhasa Apso with owner Emilee-Mae (Helmsdale)
4th - Georgie with Working Cocker Spaniel with owner Darcy (Brora)
