A VIRTUAL dog show organised in place of the real thing due to coronavirus restrictions ended up raising more money for a Wrexham hospice than ever.

The dog show at Bellis Brothers in Holt had become an annual fixture over the last seven years.

But when it had to be cancelled due to the pandemic, staff and customers still wanted to have some fun but most importantly raise money for Nightingale House Hospice.

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Puppy winner Stanley

So they moved the show online, which resulted in a record number of 331 dogs being entered for the competition.

Head of events and marketing at the centre Lucy Stuchbury said: "We were disappointed that we couldn't have the show in the paddock and that we wouldn't be able to raise money for the hospice, which is what we do. So we decided to do a virtual show, and it has ended up being our most successful. A lot of people who wouldn't normally be able to show their dogs, because they are nervous or not good at socialising, were able to take part.

"We will have the show back in the paddock when we can, but we have said that we will do a virtual festive show this year."

Lucy added that the competition was limited to the novelty classes; most handsome dog, prettiest bitch, best veteran, best rescue; best crossbreed, best fancy dress, and cutest puppy.

 

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Best in show Monty with his owner Di

Most handsome dog Monty was also crowned best in show.

The fancy dress competition was won by Dachshund Lola in a doggy-sized police officer's uniform.

The show raised £1,000 for the hospice, with many owners paying more than the entry fee to take part in the show.

Most of the winners attended a socially distanced photo op at the garden centre at Wrexham Road Farm with Amanda Kinsey, representing the hospice, and Tesni Davies, of Vets4Pets in Wrexham.