Show your dog on DoggySnaps, the network for dog lovers!

We're pretty excited today as a project we've been sitting on for a long time has finally seen the light of day! Our community site, DoggySnaps, has just gained an extra feature - the ability to have a dog show competition using the photos and videos members upload to the site.

Any registered member can enter, which we hope will encourage members of the site who shy away from some of the chattier functions to get more involved, and anyone on the whole Internet who can access DoggySnaps can vote. Every month there will be a variety of categories and people will be able to choose a first, second and third place award. The winners get virtual (and once in a while, real) prizes to display in their kennels and Jacqui and I even get to award an Editor's Choice ribbon.

The categories for our first show include Hunk of the Month and Lady of the Month, which were the names of the fun competitions run by members on the forums when they didn't know that we had this up our sleeves! There's also Perfect Pals, for dogs that like to keep each other company even in front of the camera, and Comedy Classics, because some dog photos are genuinely hilarious. Everyone loves a cute pup, so there's a Puppy Pics section, and finally a chance to show off seasonal snaps in the Festive Photos class.

I'm looking forward to seeing lots of excellent entries, so get uploading and I'll polish the trophies...

[Image Source]

Dogs Trust Statement: RSPCA pulls out of Crufts and Discover Dogs

The RSPCA has decided not to have its regular stall at Crufts or Discover Dogs because of the issues raised by the documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed. Here's Dogs Trust's official comment on proceedings:

Dogs Trust believes that the welfare of all dogs should be highlighted at Crufts and we have a long and successful history of celebrating and highlighting rescue dogs at the show. The recent BBC documentary raised some important issues about the breeding of pedigree dogs and Dogs Trust has passed on our recommendations to both Defra and The Kennel Club and we are liaising with them about future plans. We hope that the BBC programme has provided the impetus and muscle to bring about the necessary changes but we will be listening to our supporters and monitoring the situation very closely over the next six months.

Please feel free to add your comments below; they are all read by the relevant departments within Dogs Trust and the views of supporters do help to inform our future strategy.

The Chiswick House Gardens Dog Show: Sunday 28th September 2008

Al Murray, The Pub Landlord, will be kicking off this year's Chiswick House Gardens Dog Show. The event promises to be even better than last year's, which had an estimated 800 visitors, with the introducton of new classes such as Best Six Legs and Best Trick.

Also among the new additions is a Doggy Dash Competition and the special Daschie Dash open sprint race for a certain breed (no prizes for guessing which one!). Visitors can now plan their day even more easily, by pre-registering online for classes.

The fun day has attracted a greater number of supporters than ever before, including Dogs Trust, alongside: Chiswick Pets, Southfields Grooming, Outsider Tart cakemakers, Doggy Days doggy treats bakery, Labradoodle Rescue, Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, The Mayhew Animal Home, Pet Portraits and Face-to-Face face-painters.

You can also get your pet microchipped by Hounslow Animal Service.

Add to this agility and heelwork with Capable Canines, a free dog creche from London Woof, the chance to win a year's supply of beer for coming first in Best in Show (courtesy of Fullers Brewery) and many more prizes and refreshments. In other words all the ingredients for a fab day out are in place!

Get yourself down to Chiswick House Gardens Cricket Pitch (Staveley Road entrance) from 10:30am to 3:15pm on Sunday 28th September to take part in the fun.

The Wag and Bone Show is back! Come join us at Windsor Great Park this summer

The popular and successful Wag & Bone Show is back for another year of fun, games and all things doggy. The even, on Saturday 2nd August in Windsor Great Park, helps raise funds for seven major animal charities and provides entertainment for all the family, both two- and four-footed members!

Former Blue Peter presenter Peter Purves provides commentary on the main events throughout the day, which is sponsored by Purina PetCare. As the owner of seven dogs, he has declared that "whatever the weather, I think The Wag & Bone Show is a winnner. So much to see, so much to do, I defy your dog not to have a wonderful day. And you might even enjoy it yourself, I know I shall!"

Pedigrees and crossbreeds are eligible to take part in loads of different events and The Blue Cross will be looking for this year's 'Top Dog', so if your dog has a melting expression, is a
loveable rogue or you are the best doggy family then enter the Top Dog competition. There are
10 categories at £2 per entry and you can register online at www.thewagandboneshow.com.
Scruffts, the fun dog competition run by the Kennel Club, caters specifically for crossbreeds and
only costs £1 to enter. You may even find yourself in the national final in November. Categories
like Child’s Best Friend and Golden Oldie ensure there is something for everyone at this year’s
Wag & Bone Show.

Other events and services (by no means an exhaustive list!) include:

• Dogs Trust Dogmobile with dogs looking for homes
• Obedience tests at Temptation Alley
• Doggie Water Bobbing
• Doggie Dash fitness tests (prizes for every entrant)
• Meet the Agony Aunt and Uncle for a Q&A on behaviour training and more
• Southern Golden Retriever Display Team performance
• Race between the charity mascots Barney (Blue Cross), Bat (Battersea) Carla the Cat (PDSA) Fred (Wood Green Animal Shelters), Rufus (KC) and Zippy (Dogs Trust). Come on Zippy!
• The Shopping Village
• PDSA free 10-minute dog 'MOT'

Tickets and information: 0871 230 5569 or online at www.thewagandboneshow.com
Ticket Price: Adult: £10 in advance (£11 on the door)
Concessions: £8 in advance (£9 on the door)
Children (5-16 years): £8 in advance (£9 on the door) Up to 4 years - Free
Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 children): £25 in advance (£30 on the door)
Camping: Caravan and camping facilities are available onsite priced at £25 for two nights. Book
your site in advance by telephoning 01753 847900
Opening Hours: 10am to 5.30pm, Saturday 2 August 2008