When the dogs do their show…

It was an “awww” and “WOW” moment during the demonstration of the dogs’ attack, defence and many other performances…which mesmerised both children and adults. The event may also have sensitised many people to buy some cute puppies.

Gilda Radner once said: “I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me, they are the role model for being alive.” The Dog Show organised at Espace Maison, Gros Cailloux, on 30 July, gathered many families, friends and dog lovers.

Benoit Béchard, General Manager of espace maison : “Promote animal care”

Bernard expresses that the reason that pushed him to organise the 5th Edition of the Dog Show is that he feels that most Mauritians are more and more aware of their love towards animals including the dogs. “It is also an initiative to promote this culture and take care of animals. What an animal wants is just some love and care; they are extraordinary beings and always await their master patiently. It is important to give them an important place in our hearts, in our homes and in society”.

Etienne-Smith, representing the ‘Woof n Wash’

Taking care of the dog’s grooming is essential and Martine Etienne-Smith, representing the ‘Woof n Wash’ shop situated at Calodyne, was there to explain to her fellow customers the hygienic way to take care of a dog. “The grooming is very important. It consists of two shampoos and one after shampoo. Shaving depends on the dog’s race, else they only need a good shower and brushing. It is important to gently wash their eyes, ears, teeth and finish with putting some alcohol free perfume.” For many people, prices can be high for the grooming but when one loves a dog so much, the price does not really matter. What matters is the love, care and patience someone may share with them.

Yannish Naikoo, 2nd prize winner of the Dog Show

For Yannish, winning the 2nd prize is a great honour.  He is the proud owner of huskies imported from Italy. Before buying the huskies, he had to be aware of all the procedures and take care that they succeed in adapting themselves to a Mauritian temperature. “I had to get all the information about how to take care of a husky, I queried as much as I could from a veterinary before taking this responsibility.” Huskies also eat the same food as any other dog (e.g German shepherd) but it is the quantity of food that is important. His dogs also come from a Husky champion bloodline. “Two of them were born in Mauritius and their hair colour is different. This is why they had easily adapted to our tropical weather.”

Reuniting many dog lovers, this day has shown some rays of hope to those trying to save as many dogs possible. The dog show being a beautiful and humanitarian success, the fans who attended are probably waiting for the next edition of Dog Show.

Henna Soomarooa, Representative of Blue Bay Pharmacy : “Dogs do not swallow tooth”

Henna Soomarooa explains what should be done to take care of a dog. Many questions should be put to the customers before administering medicines. On most occasions, she admits that people often come to her because their dog has swallowed a tooth. “This is just a myth. Dogs do not swallow tooth and what should be prescribed to the dog is some medicine after check up.”

Domaine du Corps de Garde Co. Ltd

Domaine du Corps de Garde Co Ltd is in charge of breeding and of the nursery for dogs. The small Cavalier Charles had melted the heart of most people present. It is passion that pushed Rouben Armugan to open his doors to dogs. He explains that procedures are very much respected before buying one. They also do a follow up after selling a dog in order to keep track of the treatment he is receiving from its new owner.

L’Empire des Molosses

The team “L’empire des molosses” is a company which imports pure breed dogs into Mauritius.  The objective is to bring new blood in Mauritius like the Cane Corso, German Mastiff, Mastiff of Bordeaux and many more. “Our Cane Corso dogs are also champions in Italy,” said Vikram Seelochurn, the owner.

Ruben Vurdapen, Winner of the Dog Show

Ruben and his Rottweiler end up winning the first prize. Surprised, he did not expect to be among the finalists or even win the 1st prize. “I thought I would just receive a Distinction among all other great dogs but winning the 1st prize is indeed a huge satisfaction.” He takes care of him everyday. Despite his huge routine, he always devotes the majority of his time to him and he feels that his investment on taking care of his dog has been rewarded. “I take him out for some exercises and do his grooming every two or three weeks.”

Reshmee Bheemuck