Residents show Sarsen who's top dog

Eighteen dogs and their owners competed for rosettes at Scrufts, Sarsen Housing Association’s very first dog show.

Sarsen resident Paul Ley and housing assistant Joan Loughran developed the idea for Scrufts as part of a campaign to promote cleaner and safer neighbourhoods.

Paul said: “We wanted to hold a light-hearted event but get across the serious message that people need to clean up after their dogs. The dog show seemed just the ticket. The turn-out was great and we plan to do something bigger and better next year.”
 

Wiltshire Council’s local dog warden and show judge Ben Sargent, 31, gave away ‘poop-scoop’ bags to encourage good dog etiquette and offered a micro-chipping service at a special discount.

He said: “Events like Scrufts help to spread the message about responsible dog ownership. I was impressed with the how well-kept and well-behaved the dogs were. Most of them were already micro-chipped which shows dog owners are taking pet ownership seriously. Micro-chipping helps us re-unite stray or stolen dogs far more easily.”

One-year-old Ozzie, a border collie, won ‘The best dog in the show’ category, scooping a fish and chip supper for two for owner Jo Bridewell.

Local resident Sharon Benfield said: “I think the show was a great idea. I liked the fact that there was a serious point behind event. Dog mess is a problem in the area and it was good way to draw attention to it.”