KUWAIT CITY, March 5: The somnolent British Embassy garden was brought to life Friday as dogs in fancy coats, colors, sizes and shapes paraded in for the fifth annual ‘PAWS for a Cause Dog Show.’
Dolce, a Shih Tzu, was voted the overall champion of the competition comprising nine categories. Dolce belonged to Bader Al-Sabah, and the prize was given away by Suhad Al-Qanai, the patron of show.
The judging panel included Elza Worbs, the wife of the German Ambassador to Kuwait, Natalia Kinsheak, wife of the Russian Ambassador to Kuwait, Gary Moran, General Manager of Movenpick Hotel in Kuwait, Ian Chorleton, Brigadier of British Military Mission in Kuwait and Major Rodney Gonzalez of the US Military.

From hyperactive poodles to gentle Labrador giants and a variety of interesting cross breeds a very colorful array of models were there to walk the ramp. Some participants had corkscrew curls hanging down from their foreheads and fluttering eyelashes, some had shaggy yarns and some had dappled coats.
PAWS chairperson Margaret talking to the Arab Times on the sidelines of the event, said this is the fifth annual PAWS Dog Show, “and over the years we have realized that the support for our cause has been growing.
“It is not only the participants who bring their dogs to this show, but also other dog owners who just look to have a nice day with their pets.
“It’s a fund raising show and every penny generated out of this show goes to our shelter, which provides shelter to 70 dogs and 70 cats. That’s a lot of animals to look after and we don’t get any government funding for this cause. We run the shelter out of the money we get from such shows and from the selfless service of our volunteers.

“We are expecting a turnout of about 700 people and couple of hundred dogs.”
The dogs had traits and manners as diverse as their looks. While some were snotty, walking with their noses stuck up, some of the giant Alsatians and Labradors were humble, striking a strong contrast with the impression they create with their oversized bodies. However, it was the little poodles that were belligerent, some even taking on beasts five times their size.
Some of the pet owners had a tough time containing their dogs straining the leash. The dogs seemed pretty overwhelmed by the sudden sight of so many of their own kind, arousing strong jealousy in some and overwhelming excitement in others.
One of the dogs in the show was Talma, a brown Irish Setter, with a graceful body. Talking to the Arab Times, its owner said that she is three years old. “She is a hunting dog, and I brought her from France. She is a European champion in hunting. She loves pigeons and birds. I am sure she will love the atmosphere here. When she spots birds, her natural instincts come out and she gets ready to pounce.”
Floyd who had brought his pet, Sandy, a mixed-breed Labrador, to the event said “I have had her for 5 years. She is very adorable and loves kids. Being a mixed breed, probably with an Alsatian, she is very big.

“Sandy has a very amiable temperament. She is a perfect dog to have in the house.” When asked which category his dog is competing in, Floyd said with a laugh, “Unfortunately, they don’t have the category that I am looking for, which is the ‘Most Disobedient Dog.’ So I am not putting her up on any competition. It’s just a day out for her.”
Coderolo is a miniature poodle with curly fur. Paul, its owner, had the same complaint about his dog as Floyd: “Most disobedient dog.” Paul works at the British Embassy.
Jenny, his wife, had more to say about the dog: “He is going to have lots of fun today.” When asked about the positive qualities of her dog, she said that Coderolo gives a lot of love to everyone, and is very sociable. It is lots of fun to have him around. As an afterthought she added looking at the other dogs, “I think he is going to have a lot of competition today. We are hoping that he would get the prize for the ‘most adorable dog’ or ‘the waggiest tail.”

Rusty, a huge dog with spots, was a participant with a rather touchy story. He is a rescued cat, and was abused as a pup. He was rescued by Jessy, a PAWS volunteer. Himself a rescued dog, he is now contributing in small ways to heal the wounds of others.
Rusty is a working dog, and works at the hospital on Camp Arifjan, where US soldiers from Iraq come for treatment, and these soldiers are under emotional stress because of the war. Rusty is used to soothe these soldiers psychologically.
Jessy is a big lover of pets. He had six dogs, and with one of them, Roman, gone, he now has five dogs and four cats.

The winner of the ‘The Most Adorable Dog’ went to Ebony, a miniature poodle belonging to Victoria Macewan.
Sandy was chosen the Most Mysterious Heritage. Jannet Rose is the owner of the dog. Sandy also bagged the prize for the Best Rescued Dog.
Paul Owen’s Izzy, a Labrador mix, took the prize for the Waggiest Tail, while the Best Look Alike went to Golden Retriever Lola and her owner Rhona Kane.
Eros, a German Shepherd, owned by Fahad Al-Huwaidi, was the most Obedient Dog. Abdul Aziz Mohammed’s well trained Golden Retriever, Tan, won the prize for the Best Trick.