The Pink Dog Show 2012

Punctuating Manchester’s Gay Village lies the green haven of Sackville gardens, a leafy retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city’s busy streets and walkways,  and on a grey Sunday in August it plays host to The Pink Dog Show a Carnival of canine chaos and campery.  The Pink Dog Show acts as a Fringe event for Pride (Taking place the following weekend) and acts as the main fundraising event for The Manchester and Cheshire Dog’s Home.  With dog lovers both gay and straight turning out in their droves.

In the past, the event has embraced such themes as The Wizard of Oz and Fairy Tales. This year, the theme was a more interactive one, embracing the enthusiastic energy that has been infecting the nation: Dog-Olympics. The show focused around dog and owner activities such as Ball and Cup Dash, Musical Olympic Rings and Temptation Tower; a bizarre activity that saw owners trying to stacks a doggy snack skyscraper without it being chomped down by their accompanying hairy companion.

The event is supported, hosted and embraced by the gay community with Viva La Diva hosting the show and Camp Cooks nourishing the crowds with some very appealing cupcakes and snacks, both parties provided lots of glamour,  many of the drag queens were dressed in pink satin or sequins and towered above the crowds, navigating their  high heels with finesse. Towering at over 7ft, Miss Easyer led the Ball and Cup Dash across the park to the astonishment of her adoring fans.

“It’s all about the community today…  And The Manchester and Cheshire Dogs Home” – Viva La Diva

Being at the event and talking to many of the participants who return year after year, one has the sense that this is Doggie Christmas. The main event of the year for these dog owners. They have been planning and preparing the costumes since the theme was announced in March (via the official website www.pinkdogshow.co.uk), training their dogs in the various events and generally getting very, very excited. The crowds were filled with children, various different couples and people of all backgrounds and of course there were lots and lots of dogs from a tiny Daschund to a mighty English Mastiff and everything in between.

As well as the main games many canine centric companies were represented with pop up stalls, Doting owners could treat their dogs to special human-grade standard biscuits, fun photos, sparkly collars, framed paw prints, cheeky t-shirts, make day-care arrangements or order a custom painting.

As the day progressed the skies began to dark and the heavens opened, the organisers delayed the start of the fashion parade but the crowds were not to be deterred as the music, laughter and refreshments kept people entertained. The atmosphere was carnivalesque with colourful wigs and costumes spread across the gardens whilst dogs of all shapes and sizes barked sporadically at Pickles the dog’s home mascot and other strange half-dog, half-man creatures that were in attendance.

The pink dog show is a testament to Manchester’s rich and diverse culture, people coming together to celebrate our canine chums, it’s doesn’t discriminate people based on gender , sexuality, age or background, it’s about people with a love of  dogs coming together and having fun and in a way isn’t that what owning a dog is all about?