Category: Earth
Never mind the Olympics, this Summer on Saturday the 7th of July, dogs will be dragging their owners to 'Pawditch' in East London for the most prestigious sporting event in the canine 2012 calendar, The Canine Games. And I can't wait to find out what London’s first ever DOG FESTIVAL has in store.
The Canine Games supports nearly all of the UK’s dog-centric charities, including Dogs Trust, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and many smaller rescue centres; and all types of pooches are welcome at the festival. The games open with the extravagant Flying The Flag Ceremony, complete with patriotic Bulldogs to Royal Air Paws Flypast; and the dogs will go on to compete in a range of events that includes running, swimming and possibly even impersonating John McEnroe. Prizes range from designer attire to a spa day at Harrods, all judged by a line-up of celebrity judges.
The Canine Games welcomes non-dog owners too, with an eclectic mix of dog-themed entertainment for all the family. Aside from cheering disobedient mongrels to glory in the myriad of sports and novelty competitions visitors can enjoy a whole host of treats: marvel at canine couture on the Haute DogWalk; find the next Andy Pawhol in Galerie de Chien; be bowled over in Bone Appétit or just laugh like a hyena at Bethnal Green Working Men Club’s Lady & the Tramp Stage, with some of East London's Top Dogs from Jonny Woo to Hot Breath Karaoke’s awe-inspiring Olympic Hotdog Eating Contest!
In support of the National Responsible Dog Owner’s Campaign, The School of Dog area will be offering a series of dog specific talks, with Dogs Trust is providing free dog microchipping and advice. Creating the ultimate dog lovers’ Festival experience has involved a huge team combining top artists, vets, volunteers, trainers, yogis, dogis, canine chefs and charities.
There’ll be opportunities to get your Pawtrait photo taken professionally with your pooch, knit your own dog, speak to adoption charities if you thinking of getting a pet or even get married to your dog. And, when you want to unwind there’s always the Isotonic Dog bar, or the Downward Dog Sacred Space for healthier types. Or what about the *Hot Diggity Moma & Best Baby Puppy* contest hosted by The Mini Post? Cool Mommas are invited to dress up their babies as puppies! Be as elaborate or creative as you want. It can be as simple as a little old tail or as fantastically as a full on puppy dog suit. There is no entry fee. But there are GREAT GREAT PRIZES to be WON. For Baby. And For Mama: including goodies from Weston Scarves (sold at Liberty & Net-a-porter) SCP, Caravan, Nixie and much more.
For dog owners, potential dog owners and anyone who’s ever forwarded one of those YouTube videos, The Canine Games is the hotdoggest event this Summer, and a perfect example of what makes Britain GREAT – Diversity, Inclusivity and completely Off-The-Wall Lunacy!
Sounds truly amazing – the kind of crazy interactive event that East London excels at, and all for a brilliant cause.
DOG REGISTRATION FOR GAMES: £6 / £2 Concs (in aid of Dogs Trust) + Free Event E-Program.
PEOPLE: GO FREE (Suggested Donation) CAPACITY IS LIMITED. Click here to register and reserve entry. Join the facebook page here.