This Sunday will see a celebration of people who do not buy and sell their best friends. The Great Indian Dog Show hosted by the Blue Cross of India is an annual event that invites owners of non-pedigree dogs to share the stories of how they rescued or adopted their companion animals from the streets or animal shelters.
Last year’s celebrity guest was actor Prasanna and this year’s special guest is Trisha. The show sees up to 100 participants every year. “The event is our way of championing the cause of homeless pet adoption,” says Sathya Radhakrishnan, honorary joint secretary, Blue Cross of India. “We applaud these heroes who brought home an animal in need, and in doing so, saved a life. We appeal to people to adopt animals instead of contributing to the breeding industry when there are already so many pets in need of loving homes.” Those who purchased their pets from pet stores or breeders cannot participate but are welcomed with their pets as spectators.
Each participant gets a minute to take the stage and narrate the story of how they rescued or adopted their pets. Trophies, participant medals, freebies and goodie bags are up for grabs. Unlike other shows, the Great Indian Dog Show does not make animals compete in any way — this means no ‘endurance’ tests, races or anything that could cause your canine companion stress. The only rules are that the furry ones’ vaccinations are up-to-date and that they are leashed to their owners at all times.
If you don’t have a pet yet, there will be an adoption section where vaccinated, rescued puppies, kittens (and abandoned pedigree adult dogs) are up for adoption free of cost (after a brief interview). The event has no entry fee and will be held at 3 p.m. on January 20, at C.P Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation, 1, Eldams Road. To register, call 9500047536 or 07353585508 or register online at >www.bluecrossofindia.org
