WAGGY-TAILED competitors and their owners turned out in their hundreds to a dog show with an important message.
More than 150 dogs of all different shapes and sizes, along with about 350 owners and friends, poured into Lake Meadows Park, Billericay, on Saturday for the first Bark in the Park dog show run by the Friends of Lake Meadows.
The theme of the event was to promote responsible dog ownership, with the Billericay Dog Training School display showing how much fun the dogs can have while learning to follow their owner's instructions. Stands provided canine goods and advice, including a free microchipping service.
Rosie Novis, a member of the Friends of Lake Meadows, said: "Being a responsible dog owner is of paramount importance.
"Not only does it ensure the safety and welfare of the dog, but also the safety of the public, allowing the dog to be walked in a public place where owners can be relied upon to keep their dogs under control."
The event was organised by the Friends of Lake Meadows, in partnership with Basildon Borough Council, Now We Are Here, and the Dog Play Barn Ltd.
Jane Bunting of the Dog Play Barn said: "We look forward to supporting Friends of Lake Meadows with Bark in the Park for many years to come, and can't wait to start planning the 2014 event, from a dog's perspective of course."
Jonny Garlick, chairman of the Friends of Lake Meadows, said: "For our first dog show a great day was had by all, particularly the dogs.
"We can't wait to organise Bark in the Park 2014, for all our four and two-legged friends."
The judges, Basildon borough councillor Kevin Blake and Julie Morgan from Billericay Dog Training School, had a busy schedule to complete, with eight competition classes including the most handsome dog and prettiest bitch, best rescue dog, golden oldie, best trick, waggiest tail, dog that looks most like its owner and judges' favourite.
