26-05-2025
Village pub's annual dog show brings lots of laughs despite rain
THERE were lots of laughs at a pub as villagers came together for its annual dog show.
Dogs of all shapes and sizes were entered into a variety of categories at the Fox and Hounds in Lulsley, near Worcester, including waggiest tail, best trick, best presented and judges' favourite.
This year marked the pub's eighth dog show, which has got bigger each year.
Despite the rain, all tables in the beer garden were taken up by competitors of all ages, alongside their four-legged friends.
"This is the eighth year we've done it. It gets bigger and bigger each year, apart from this year because of the weather," said manager Tom Clarke.
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"It's not Crufts or anything. Sometimes you go to these dog shows at village fetes and things and it's really competitive and not fun.
"It's a couple of quid. You can have a bit of a laugh, beer and pizza - what more do you want?"
Jayne Symonds and daughter Hannah Gilks have become regular competitors over the years, with their cocker spaniels Ralph and Ted.
"We come every year, it's good fun," Ms Symonds said. "We've entered them into lots of categories."
Councillor Sarah Rouse, who represents Alfrick, Leigh and Rushwick on Malvern Hills District Council, also came along with her dog Chip.
She said: "It's always been a great community event, it gets loads of people together.
"It's nice to see all the dogs and it's really good fun."
The show kicked off with the best presented category, won by cocker spaniel Ted who donned a multicoloured vest.
Next up was the dog and owner lookalike category, with one owner wearing ears and a matching hoodie to win. The matching hoodie was a hit with the judges, meaning lurcher Romeo took first place.
One of the most successful competitors was Ronan, who took home prizes for being the best pup - a category for dogs under two - and judges' favourite.
