This archive report was first published on 25 August 2019.
On August 24, 2019, over 100 dogs gathered at the Nakuru Athletics Club for the third edition of the Nakuru dog show, dubbed Nakuru Pets Festivals.
The event, which was full of fun and excitement, aimed to demystify the notion that dogs are only for protection purposes and to promote responsible pet ownership, health, and breed preservation.
Organized by Concierge Mediacom, the show attracted dog lovers from Nairobi and Nakuru, who shared their experiences and stories of how their relationships with their canines have impacted their lives.
"Dogs help bring people together, and they make us explore some of the most important human stories through relationships with our best friends," said Ms. Linda Nyawira, the event manager.
Ms. Nyawira added that dogs depict many different kinds of human-canine relationships, and they can be a great source of joy and companionship.
One of the highlights of the event was the free vaccination provided to all the dogs courtesy of the Nakuru County government.
According to a study published by the Mayo Clinic, people who own pets, especially dogs, are more likely to have better heart and mental health.
"Dogs help children who are mentally challenged to be more intelligent, and they help them to open their minds by training them to be more responsible," said Ms. Nyawira.
The show featured a variety of dog breeds, including German Shepherds, Maltese, Great Danes, Rottweilers, Japanese Spitz, and Terriers, among others.
Each dog was judged on various parameters, including body structure, movement, dog size's proportions, bone structure, teeth, and coat.
The happiest dog was Brunah, handled by Bennyhinn Kamwaga, while the healthiest dog trophy went to Ranger, handled by Blue Line Kennels.
The best groomed dog was TRoy, owned by Kevin Mwangi, and the well-handled dog was Missy, whose owner was Eustace Warutere.
The best communicating dog trophy went to Blacky, owned by De Souza Kennel.
The panel of judges for the day comprised acclaimed canine judges in the field of canine sports in Kenya, Dr. Imbugi Luvai and Ms. Linda Brown.
"Each breed has a particular way it is maintained, and here at the show, we judged them on various criteria including health, grooming, happiness, communication, obedience, and protection," said Dr. Luvai.
Ms. Brown added that a dog should be fed well because it is a worthy companion and brings joy and happiness to the family.
The show also provided an opportunity for pet lovers to view different breeds in action and fostered an exchange of views and opinions regarding present trends in the canine world.
