Mirror, mirror in the mall, who’s the fairest of them all

Last Saturday, if you happened to be at the Orion Avenue Mall, Banaswadi, you would have seen an unusual gathering of beauty contestants. They were beauties alright with their glossy hair and big brown eyes.

Over 50 pet dogs had come for the Orion Pet Fiesta 2021 to compete in the categories of grooming, upkeep and discipline. Strutting the ramp were big dogs like German shepherds, Labradors, Great Danes, huskies, terriers, retrievers, hounds, and tiny ones like Chihuahuas and toy poodles.

Trotting away with top honours was Lokesh alias Johnson’s golden retriever Jackson, who was adjudged the best dog of the day. The judges were Ravi Kumar, secretary of the Society for Indian Breeds, Karnataka, who has over 45 years of experience in judging dog shows and Dr Ravindra, assistant director, Animal Husbandry.

But all preening participants were given a medal of honour for their trouble and those who were due for vaccination were given free anti-rabies vaccinations, sponsored by Pets Inn and administered by Dr Ravindra.

“I am glad that there is an exclusive event for pets. For the last fifteen years, I have been a dog trainer. There is a common perception among people that dogs are by nature very aggressive. However, irrespective of breed, dogs will react to us the way we treat them. If we show them love they will show us even more love,” said Lokesh alias Johnson, proud owner of the winning dog.

The venue was filled with multiple breeds of dogs and the organisers were grateful to the pet owners who had sportingly brought their pets. “Orion Pet Fiesta 2021 is an opportunity for pet lovers to come out and show off their pets and their skills. This event has been conducted keeping all Covid appropriate behaviour in mind,” said Milind Thakar of Orion Avenue Mall.

Subedar Rajashekaran, a retired Indian Army officer, was the pleased owner of the Mudhol hound named Mini who won the fourth place.

“I am proud to be participating with Karnataka’s very own Mudhol hound. Being an ex-army officer, it is a special feeling that this dog breed has been selected for the Indian army. I am very happy about this competition as Orion Malls is creating awareness about various breeds of dogs,” said he.

The event was enjoyed by participants’ families and the floating crowd at the mall. Throughout the two hour event, at different points, there were around 150 to 200 spectators cheering the canines.