Barrow Pooch Fest welcomes 'big crowd' for second year

Barrow Pooch Fest took place for the first time last year and delighted the public once more on Saturday.

Christine Baxter, with her dog, Baxter (Image: Chris Warner) Courtney Axford, with her winning pedigree dog, Charlie (Image: Chris Warner) The event organised by Barrow BID saw crowds of dog lovers and their adorable companions head to the Outdoor Market for some friendly competition.

Around 60 dogs took part across a number of categories, including Pedigree, Crossbreed and Championship.

There were also classes for Veterans over seven years old, Rescue, Brace for any pairs, Best condition, Puppy, Waggiest tail and Sausage catcher.

Dave White, and his dog NYX (Image: Chris Warner) Elizabeth Morrall, with her Collie Cross, Lucifer (Image: Chris Warner) Jane Martin with her winning cross breed dog, Vinnie (Image: Chris Warner) Paulyn Hyde who owns a local dog grooming business, Scruffy to Fluffy, is one of organisers.

She said: “This is the second year of Pooch Fest, and it went really well, we’re very happy with the turn out and there has been a lot of positive feedback.

“All of our dogs behaved impeccably, there was a big crowd, the day couldn’t have gone better!”

Jo Sugden, with Jarvis and Buffy, English Cocker Spaniels (Image: Chris Warner) Johnny Williams, and Judge Maria Murray, with Bertie (Image: Chris Warner) The difficult job of acting as doggy judge for the day was awarded Maria Murray, who runs Murray’s Dog Hotel in Gleaston.

Paulyn and Maria have been running local dog shows for the past ten years and have lent their experience and expertise to the event.

Dozens of dogs competed for one of the prizes provided by Barrow-based dog food company, Sir Woofchester’s.

Katie Deelay, with her pet Rottweilers, Benji and Lola (Image: Chris Warner) Marie Guselli, with her dog Oscar, winner of the best condition dog (Image: Chris Warner) All of the money made by Pooch Fest is being donated to a couple of local animal causes, this year it was split between Animal Refuge and Wild Side Vets.

Both organisations were given £200, this money will go into the Hardship Fund at Wild Side Vets, which could go towards helping someone pay for life-saving surgery they can’t afford.

Kate Hornby, the owner of Wild Side Vets, was acting as a steward at the event as well as the vet on site.

Pooch Fest (Image: Chris Warner) Sarah Watson, with her miniature dachunds (Image: Chris Warner)Paulyn said: “All of the dog and animal community is quite close, so we help each other out.”

Paulyn revealed that there has already been a discussion with Barrow BID to confirm a date for next year, and she is looking forward to a third Pooch Fest on September 13, 2025.