On Sunday 18 June, uMngeni (Howick) SPCA, together with Hills Science Diet, once again held a very successful show and clinic for the dogs of Mpophomeni Township just outside Howick in KZN. This is the third consecutive year that this event has been staged in the area and it proved yet again to be a great success.Approximately 140 dogs were brought first to the clinic where they were fitted with brand new collars and leads, dewormed, dipped and inoculated. Volunteers came from as far as Umfolozi on the North Coast and Winkelspruit on the South Coast, to support the SPCA staff in tending to the township dogs who were not always happy with the attention being showered upon them!! Afterwards, while dogs and their owners waited for the show to begin, they were treated to demonstrations of trained dogs and township style music over the PA system.Once the dogs' physical needs had all been attended to, the show itself commenced. Dogs were judged in a number of categories including Dog in Best Condition, Happiest Dog and Best Handler and Dog, and then the group winners went on to compete for the Best in Show award. This was won by an exceptionally well-kept crossbreed named Vanessa, owned by a very proud Thandi Mdladla. Prizes were generously sponsored by Hill's, Howick Cabins, SA Breweries, Mica, Frontline, Hanbury Chickens and many other caring organizations and individuals. Nobody went home empty handed as every entrant received Hill's Science Diet samples, a dog bowl and blanket.All this was done as part of an ongoing outreach programme of the uMngeni SPCA. Not only does this event bring communities and people together, but it also provides a platform to educate people in a non-judgmental way. Township dog owners learn how to care for their dogs in a positive way and a sense of pride and appreciation for their dogs is encouraged which will hopefully have a ripple effect on the community as a whole. If more events like this could be held in townships all around the country, the levels of neglect, ignorance and cruelty would be reduced and the lives of many disadvantaged dogs would be much improved.Anyone wanting advice or assistance with staging a similar event is welcome to contact uMngeni SPCA Show Co-ordinator - Adrienne Olivier

In Gauteng, Arnel Sauer is also looking for volunteers to launch a similar event. Contact her for further information: (011) 907 8474