Dog lovers will descend on the Black Box in Galway this weekend for Ireland’s only dog expo, in aid of Connemara-based rescue charity MADRA.
Last year the MADRA Dog Expo attracted thousands of people and dogs and raised over €13,000 for MADRA.
This year’s schedule is action-packed. Dog shows will run throughout the day, with judging taking place in 15 categories over two show rings. The dog shows run from 11am, and judges include well-known vet, Pete Wedderburn, and trad music legend, Sharon Shannon.
Other sideshows to watch out for include dog agility demonstrations. Owners with concerns about any aspect of their dog’s health had can consult with Pete the vet. For mischievous mutts, there are one-on-one training sessions with West Dog Training and a demonstration from Galway Dog Training Club. There will be also a chance to win a year’s supply of dog food, among other prizes, in the Monster Raffle.
Irish pet retailers Petworld will also be on hand to offer a dog tag engraving service, ensuring any pooch leaves the event in personalised style. All proceeds from the sale of tags at the event will go directly to MADRA. On the spot microchipping will also be available at a reduced price. Marina Fiddler, chairperson of MADRA, encouraged owners to get their dogs microchipped to ensure they are swiftly reunited with their pet should they go missing.
Launching the schedule, Ms Fiddler urged dog lovers to attend the event and support the charity.She also praised those who attended last year’s MADRA Dog Expo.
“We were overwhelmed with the support for the event last year and would like to thank everyone who took part. There were so many responsible and loving dog owners there on the day. It was really heartwarming as we encounter so many sad stories each week,”Ms Fiddler said.
There will also be exhibtions from a wide range of dog-related businesses, including pet photography studios, holistic health products, dog food companies, dog accessories businesses, and pet sitting services. A number of Galway-based animal rescue organisations will also be in attendance, promoting their work with animals, including EGAR, GSPCA and Galway Cat Rescue.
The MADRA Dog Expo begins at 10am on Sunday May 6 at the Black Box in Galway, and finishes at 5pm. Admission is €7.50 for adults, €5 for concessions, and a family ticket is €15. Dogs go free. All proceeds go to MADRA. For more information see www.dogexpo.ie or see the MADRA Dog Expo page on Facebook.
