The Loughrea Dog show will take place from 1pm to 5pm at the Temperance Hall on Sunday August 19. The show, which will be judged by Professor Gerard Fleming, promises to be a fun-filled day for all the family.
The event, which is in aid of the Galway Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and East Galway Animal Rescue, will see Galway Bay FM’s Valerie Hughes in attendance as a special guest. Ms Hughes will be accompanied by her beloved Pyrenees Mountain dogs. Miss Ireland Galaxy 2012, Katherine Gannon, will also make an appearance. Ms Gannon chose Galway SPCA as one of her chosen charities for this year.
Ultra Flex Dance Group will entertain visitors with a dance routine performed in animal costumes. Music will come from local musician Martina Flaherty and singer/songwriter Mathew G Webb. There will also be a guest appearance from the best loved dog in Ireland.
Children will enjoy arts and crafts and facepainting from local artist Lorna Bradley. They will also receive goody bags and there will be a number of raffle prizes sponsored by local businesses.
A number of local and national animal charities, including Wildlife Ireland, Swan Sanctuary, Cat Sanctary, Donkey Sanctuary, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, Irish Search Dogs, and Therapy Dogs, will gather to raise awareness, as well as raising funds for EGAR and the Galway SPCA.
At present, many animal sanctuaries in Ireland are running over-capacity. EGAR is hoping to go into schools and other community hubs to educate children and adults on responsible pet ownership. The organisation believes that by educating people on the basics of animal ownership, it can reduce the number of animals being abandoned.
“Intervention before this point is vital,” said Carmel Marzouk of EGAR. “This is why I believe that by going into schools and community organisations we can greatly reduce the amount of animals that are being abandoned, abused, or euthanised through no fault of their own.”
