Rhu and Shandon Gala fun family dog show returns in blistering sun

The dog show has always been a favourite and much-loved feature of the Rhu and Shandon Gala - and the 2023 event, returning after a three-year gap, proved no different.

Dogs competed in 10 classes, and rosettes were presented for those up to sixth place, while there was a goodie bag of dog treats for everyone who took part.

And there was a new trophy - named for Fiona Baker - presented by the gala committee to achknowledge and honour her setting up and running of the show.

Blistering sun shone down on the event, sponsored by Helensburgh Pet Shop - and while the conditions might have brought smiles to the faces of some, the organisers made sure that the dogs and their humans alike were able to shelter in the shade while Susan Ross, president of Helensburgh Dog Training Club, ran her eye over the entries.

Susan admitted she had a tough job choosing all the winners - none more so than the task of selecting the 'best in show' from the winners of each class.

In the end the 'best in show' prize went to Rosie, a Lurcher cross owned by the Kelly family and handled by Feargal Kelly, who had earlier won the 'best rescue dog' class.

The reserve best in show title went to Jura, belonging to the Ormsby family and handled by young Mara.

Jura is also a crossbreed and a rescue dog and had won first place as the 'dog the judge would most like to take home'.

Alan Reeve, of Helensburgh Pet Shop, presented the trophy, and organisers thanked the store for sponsoring the rosettes and goodie bags.

They also thanked Susan for her judging and stewards Seonag Bates, Carol Steven and Fiona Baker.

Clyde Canine Massage provided gift vouchers the best in show, reserve best in show and Best Veteran dogs.

Freya Keenan with Fizz, Best Crossbreed (Collie x Whippet) (Image: Fiona Baker)

Olivia Powney and Cockapoo Sasuke, winner of Best Child Handler (Image: Fiona Baker)

Vanessa with Springer Spaniel Hazel (Image: Fiona Baker)

Judge Susan Ross presenting Feargal Kelly and Lurcher cross Rosie with first place in Best Rescue Dog (Image: Fiona Baker)

Elizabeth Howie with her Pug, Miss Martha winner of the Dog with the Kindest Eyes. (Image: Fiona Baker)

Liam Batty with Cocker Spaniel Tarka, winner of Best Dog. (Image: Fiona Baker)

The top three placings in all classes were as follows.

Best Puppy: 1 Lewis Ballantyne with Phoebe (Cocker Spaniel), 2 Vanessa with Hazel (Working Springer Spaniel), 3 Jennifer with Bailey (Golden Retriever).

Best Dog: 1 Liam Batty with Tarka (cocker spaniel), 2 Mandy with Fingal (Labrador), 3 Amy with Robyn (Labradoodle).

Best Bitch: 1 Charlene Hamilton with Islay (Labrador-retriever cross), 2 Jackie with Zia (Lagotto), 3 Feargal with Rosie (Lurcher cross).

Best Crossbreed: 1 Freya Keenan with Fizz (collie-whippet cross), 2 Lizzy with Bruce (Cockapoo), 3 Sheila with Jeffrey (Kakoni cross).

Best Veteran: 1. Suzy Marshall with Tiree age 21 (Lakeland Terrier) 2. Thomas with Poppy age 14  (Shih tzu) 3. Flo with Meg age 13 (Border Collie).

Best Child Handler: 1. Olivia Powney with Sasuke (Cockapoo) 2. Beatrice with Mac (Cocker Spaniel) 3. Freya with Sam (Lhasa Apso).

Best Condition: 1. Rhona Munro with Hamish (Labrador) 2. Jackie with Zia (Lagotto) 3. Vanessa with Hazel (Springer Spaniel)

Dog with the Kindest Eyes: 1. Elizabeth Howie with Martha (Pug) 2. Sam with Mitch (Border Collie) 3. Barbara with Mabel (Working Cocker Spaniel).

Best Rescue Dog: 1. Feargal Kelly with Rosie (Lurcher X) 2. Niamh with Almera 3. Mara with Jura.

Dog the Judge would like to take home: 1. Mara Ormsby with Jura 2. Elizabeth with Martha 3. Sam with Mitch (Border Collie).

Best in Show: Feargal Kelly with Rosie.

Reserve Best in Show: Mara Ormsby with Jura.

All photos courtesy Seonag Bates.

Niamh winning second place in the Bet Rescue Dog class with Almera (Image: Fiona Baker)

First Prize winners on parade for Best in Show judging Rhona Munro with Black Labrador Hamish (Best Condition), Freya Keenan with Fizz (Best Crossbreed) and Feargal Kelly with Rosie (Best Rescue). (Image: Fiona Baker)

Mara Ormsby and her Dad with Jura (Dog the Judge would like to take home), and winner of Reserve Best in Show. (Image: Fiona Baker)

Feargal Kelly and Lurcher Cross Rosie, winner of Best in Show (Image: Fiona Baker)

Mara Ormsby and her Dad with Jura Reserve Best in Show, Alan Reeve of Helensburgh Pet Shop, Feargal Kelly and Rosie Best in Show, Fiona Baker and Judge Susan Ross. (Image: Seonag Bates)