15 October 2018

Superhero dogs stage a takeover of Floriade

| Glynis Quinlan
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Michael Ison dressed as Clark Kent and April Suen dressed as Wonder Woman (from Kaleen) enjoyed a fun Dogs’ Day Out with their Samoyed dog Asher doubling as a very friendly Batman. All photos by Glynis Quinlan.

Pooches of all shapes and sizes donned superhero costumes and brought their special powers of cuteness to Commonwealth Park yesterday (14 October) as they took over the last day of Floriade with an enthusiasm of epic proportions.

From Chihuahuas and Poodles to Irish Wolfhounds and Saint Bernards, no dog was too big or too small to make their mark on Sunday’s Dogs’ Day Out event or to enjoy the full-day of ‘pawsome’ activities.

Accompanied by their owners (or was that slaves?), the dogs took on roles such as Spiderman, Batman and Wonder Woman with great gusto.

Best dressed superhero winners: Linda Norris with Chompy (first place), Michael Wilson with Basil (second) and Amanda Martin with Barkley (third).

A record number of 73 dogs and their humans entered the Best Dressed Dog competition, in which both the pooches and their owners were encouraged to dress up in their best superhero attire and strut their stuff on Stage 88.

Several heats were run before 24 finalists were chosen and asked to parade around the stage in an anti-clockwise decoration – wowing the crowds with their antics at the same time. Check out the action in the short RiotACT video below.

In the end, it seems that the judges might have gone over to the dark side in their choice of an Imperial Walker as the winner.

Chompy, a black Labrador from O’Connor took out the top honours and it was perhaps quite fitting that he was dressed as a four-legged transport and combat vehicle, even if he was associated with the Imperial Ground Forces.

Or perhaps it was because Chompy was accompanied by his owner, Linda Norris, who was cleverly-dressed as a Jedi Knight and no doubt exerted a good influence.

First prize went to Linda Norris from O’Connor, dressed as a Jedi Knight, and her dog Chompy, dressed as an Imperial Walker.

Second prize in the competition, went to a lively Red Setter named ‘Basil’ doing his best Spiderman impersonation and accompanied by a dashing Captain America acted out by Michael Wilson of Ngunnawal.

There was a lot of blue and red in the costumes of second-place winners Michael Wilson of Ngunnawal, dressed as Captain America, and his dog Basil, dressed as Spiderman.

Third place went to another mix of good and evil superpowers, with a Labrador named ‘Barkley’ dressed as Robin and clearly in charge of his owner, Amanda Martin of Scullin who was dressed as a robber.

Third place went to a robber, also known as Amanda Martin of Scullin and Robin – or make that Barkley.

The full day of activities yesterday (October 14) included breed group photos, a creative grooming showcase, tips on dog poo recycling, a pooch cafe and bar, 26 doggie retailers, and six dog demonstrations including a fun ‘Dancing with Dogs’ demonstration.

There was a lot of action – and quite a few doggie treats – in the Dancing with Dogs demonstration.

Some of the million flowers may have started drooping but they provided the perfect backdrop for the colourful pooches – many of whom appeared to be having the time of their lives.

Below are a range of photos from the event taken by Glynis Quinlan, including details about the dogs and their owners.

Pepper, a German Short-haired Pointer, is set for some Wonder Woman action. She is pictured with her owner, Brydie Hawko of Gilmore.

Roxy the Toy Poodle from Kambah blends in with the flowers. She is decorated with hair extensions, hair dye and diamantes for the special day out.

Emma Weyers (Superwoman) from Greenethorpe and Carolyn O’Brien (Batman) from Queanbeyan are pictured with their dogs Lady and Cocochanel in a ‘super’ pram.

Asher from Kaleen is happily dressed as Batman.

Little Ripley the French Bulldog rocked her Wonder Woman costume.

Therapy dogs Ladi Darci, Coco Chanel, Dame Zahli and Princess Ravin visited Dogs’ Day Out in support of the McGrath Foundation. The four dogs are known as ‘The Charming Ladies’ and also work as fashion models (can you tell by the pose?)

Tim Berry from Yass and his Foxy/Jack Russell cross pooch invented their own blend of superhero costumes for the event (perhaps a bit of horsing around)

Wonder Woman (aka Pepper) enjoyed posing among the flowers.

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