Heavy Rain Forces Early End To Chiswick Dog Show

However the popular event did manage to complete more than half its events

The heavy rain forced the organisers of the Chiswick Dog Show to end the show earlier than planned. However, they paid tribute to the people who turned out despite the bad weather.

A statement said that as a result of the unusually heavy rainfall in the west London area last Sunday, September 23rd, the organisers were forced to abandon this year’s show at 2 p.m.

The show, which promised to be the best yet with record numbers of entries pre-registered and stallholders booked, was opened by actress Jenny Seagrove representing the Mane Chance Sanctuary. Over 120 volunteers had been recruited to help on the day and Four Paws Racing had completed 2 of their Flyball sessions when the heavens opened and conditions began to deteriorate.

Despite this, eleven of the seventeen classes were completed. Amongst the winners were Best Veteran Dog 9+ Jack a 17 year-old spaniel, Best Veteran Bitch 9+ Chelsea, and Waggiest Tail (the largest class of the day) no 213 Moet.

Photos courtesy of Matt Bishop

The Chair of the organising committee Gill Thomas commented;

“We would like to thank everyone who braved the elements to join us on Sunday – our magnificent volunteers, stallholders, the flyball teams, judges, and of course our visitors. To say that this was disappointing is an understatement, especially when so many people will have prepared for the Fancy Dress and My Dog’s Got Talent classes.

"Having no choice but to curtail the event for safety reasons, we believe that it was the only responsible course of action. That so many people travelled to the show on such a poor day was a real tribute to the enduring popularity of the show. Our 3 sponsors John D Wood & Co., Dogtown, and Acton Lane Vets have been incredibly supportive. We look forward to sunnier times in 2013.”

September 14, 2012