This time last week Basil and I were a pair of giddy kippers for it was the night before the Old Spitalfields Paw Pageant and we’d be invited as official Re-paw-ters, sharing all the action, live from the front row ...
Waking to hideous weather, there was no way we were letting the rain turn one, if not THE biggest event in the canine calendar into a ‘pour pageant’. With dog blogger pals to meet, a dog-friendly lunch to scoff, a hound and human fashion show to paw over, and of course, the promise of a dazzling dog show, we were set for an action-packed Bank Holiday Monday.
To ensure that he was looking his best on the #FROW, Basil was treated to a collar and lead set from the hosts with the most – canine couture company Love My Dog, who pull out all the stops every year to help raise funds for Battersea Cats & Dogs Home. Check out Basil modelling their new ‘Edison’ collection for a member of the puparazzi below.
Stylish new petwear collected, we hooked up with other fellow re-pawters including our pals from dog-friendly travel blog Phileas Dogg to enjoy a pre-show lunch in Las Iguanas’ special doggy garden, where owners could enjoy a Mexican feast and the dogs got a tasty bowl of yogurt and peanut butter ice-cream.
Fuelled for action, we took our seats and spent the next two and a half hours in doggy heaven, drooling over the latest Autumn Winter trends from Love My Dog (it’s all about tweed) and watching London’s furry finest attempting to win over the judges Tuuli Shipster, Barking Blonde’s Anna Webb, Love My Dog’s Lilly Shahravesh and Miriam Goodall of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
Just like last year, the host’s commentary was as hilarious camp as ever, and the dog-walk full of hi-jinx with wardrobe malfunctions, lead breakaways, refusals to perform party pieces, and a rogue on-stage piddle, as hopefuls competed for titles including Dressed up to the Canines, Dog’s Got Talent, Radiant Rescue, Dog El Ganger and Paw-fection.
Our personal favourite was Dinky, who won the talent round with his paw waving skills – so cute! But there could only be one winner, and this year it was rescue dog Goose, who landed the Paw-fection prize for his tricks, cute looks, dapper attire and bond with his owner. A well-deserved win we thought.
Until next year, we share just some of the highlights from the front row ...
