PERFECT weather blessed Dulverton for its first family dog show on Sunday (July 27) as a large crowd of locals and visitors descended on the Exmoor Lawns beside the River Barle with their four legged friends for a day filled with wide smiles and wagging tails.

The event was organised by Visit Dulverton volunteers for everybody to enjoy the range of fun classes, and the refreshment stalls, too.

The show’s judge was Pauline Tolhurst, who was assisted by stewards Sue Blackmore and Wendy Berry, with the show schedule featuring classes for all dogs and all ages.

Local Dulverton businesses contributed to the day, with a popular pop up bar from the Bridge Inn and a stall from the Everest Natural Pet Company, which is located in Dulverton Post Office, and sponsorship from Stockham Farm Exmoor, Masons Kings, and Tarr Farm Inn.

The day was deemed such a success that plans are already underway to repeat it next year.

A special ‘thank you’ was announced for all those who had made donations in memory of much-loved and much-missed Dulverton dogs Rufus Crisp, Ben Huckins, and Sid Pegrum.

Results

Champion/best in show, Lisa Joslin’s Bernese mountain dog Olive.

Reserve champion, Helen Haig’s Welsh springer spaniel Lottie.

Best child handler, Jasmine Chandler with Jack Russell puppy Horace; Veteran dog, Margaret Bratby’s Cinders; Best matching pair, Fran Bell and Billie Isaac‘s cocker spaniels Polka and Freda; Best terrier, Ali Pegrum’s Wilbur; Best trick, Pete Orchard’s terrier Laralou with a remarkable rolling over trick.

There were also classes for the best working dog, the best rescued dog, best ball catcher, most handsome dog, and best sit and stay, with many fascinating stories to tell.

More information about the dog show and other events in Dulverton can be found on the Visit Dulverton website.