What a wonderful day was had on Sunday March 6^th at our third annual Paws at Mole Creek!

Over 850 people and dogs converged on Mole Creek to be a part of what has become one of the most anticipated days in the Meander Valley calendar.  The Mole Creek Football Ground was transformed from a vast empty field into a festival celebrating the wonderful friendship we have with our trusty canines, and this year the weather was kind as well!

Our day began with the Grand Pawrade, which saw a huge snake of people and pooches boasting their colourful bandanas marching behind our huge Paws banner – pooches of every shape and size, of every breed from the hugest Great Dane to the tiniest Chihuahua – all with tails wagging and smiles as wide as the Western Tiers on their doggy faces.

The light-hearted competition then kicked off in earnest.  Which dog held an uncanny resemblance to its owner?  Which put Ivana Trump to shame in its fabulous attire? Just which pooch was deemed the cutest of them all?  The decisions weren’t easy and the competition was fierce – check out our photo page to see the results.

The Reverend Phillida Smith once again shared her blessings with our beloved pooches, and then we were all treated to an amazing display from Pandara Kelpies – who would have thought that a herd of Indian Runner ducks could be safe in the same place as an active kelpie?  But safe they were, and not only that, they were kept in their place and moved without fault with Matthew Johnson showing us all just what is possible when you have the skills to train your working dog.

Whilst all this was happening, our special celebrity guests started arriving….including Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth who had travelled thousands of miles to be a part of an event that would have made her envious of the colonies for sure.  She even had managed to bring her favourite corgi, Camilla, to accompany her – although it is fair to say that Camilla was a little nervous with the Puppy-razzi making an appearance.  We were also joined by Elvis (humming ‘Hound Dog’), Paris Hilton (who was thrilled to be in Austria), Cruella deVille (who very quickly found a dalmatian to claim), Santa Paws (only 9 months early), Spot the Dog (who liked his tummy scratched), Dorothy and Toto (complete with those famous red sparkly shoes) and even Snoop Dog who arrived a little late as all his ‘bling’ set off the scanner at the airport.

Throughout the day, guests were enjoying browsing the many stalls, feasting on some wonderful food and drinks, and chatting to the Sheffield Vet, or perhaps even having their dog micro-chipped or groomed. Children were entering our ‘Pawtrait’ competition or playing in the wind-tunnel, and others guests were purchasing either a Paws at Mole Creek T-Shirt or cap – or maybe even both!

More competitions followed, where ribbons were handed out for the Most Unusual, the Waggiest Tail (very hotly contested) and the most Stunning Siblings. Our popular Canine Obstacle Course was proving a challenge for more than one mutt – some owners were witnessed joining their dogs climbing through Al’s Famous Burning Ring!

Stephanie from Meadway Mutts then introduced us to Arthur – her beautifully trained Substance Dog.  Arthur successfully found a peanut from within 16 jars held by our willing participants – what a clever pooch!  Peanut allergies are no joke and Arthur proved to us just how important dogs are in our lives – not just to be a part of our families, but to help save lives as well.

We were then thrilled to have our special guest Rachael Treasure talk about her life as an author, dog breeder and trainer, and to hear all about her new book ‘Dog Speak’. It was obvious to everyone that Rachael was completely taken with Mole Creek and we were so pleased to have been able to bring  her here to see just what makes our town so special – the warm welcome, the stunning views, and of course, our fabulous event.  Everyone had the opportunity to speak with Rachel throughout the day, and also to purchase a signed copy of one of her many books.  What a pleasure it was to have her join us for Paws 2011.

More competition followed – Musical Chairs, the Ugliest Dog (the field was simply huge for this doga-gory), the Best Trick and then the finale – Fetch the Sausage.  This event has to be seen to be believed and the Queen had a hard time choosing the winner from the field of contestants.  I think we can safely say that Her Royal Highness had not been asked to inspect a sausage for doggy tooth-marks before, but she seemed to enjoy her duty immensely. It was then time for the final round of the Obstacle Course, where the dogs with the ten best times of the day were invited back to the Course to show their stuff.  As the last competition of the day, the blue ribbon was much in demand – but sadly there could only be one recipient!

Those who missed the first Pandara Kelpies display were treated to another – and then the day slowly came to a close with the announcing of the Pawtrait Competition winners in each of the three age groups, as well our wonderful Paws Raffle being drawn.

What an incredible day, and how proud the Mole Creek Progress Association were to see so many happy faces and to hear how much everyone had enjoyed themselves.  Best of all, it was clear to us that all our doggy guests – Westies, Greyhounds, Labradors, Kelpies, Poodles, Schnauzers, Labradoodles, Spaniels, Danes, Bitzas to name just a few  – all had a great day to remember.  We bet they can’t wait until Paws 2012!