Last weekend, Hampstead Heath was taken over by London’s humans and hounds for the annual Great Hampstead Bark Off, raising much-needed funds for London Rescue & Rehoming Charity, All Dogs Matter.
Each year this event gets bigger and better and this year didn’t disappoint. The dog show categories of Best Pup, Golden Oldies, Best Rescue, Best Child Handler and Mr & Miss Heath were all packed with pups and owners hoping their pooch would wow the judges and be the star of the show.
Celebrity judges Alan Carr, Marc Abraham, Anneka Svenska, Michelle Collins, Plum Pudding (holding the torch for Lucy The Rescue Cavalier), James Whale, Peter Egan and Kevin O’Sullivan certainly had their work cut out choosing the winners with so many gorgeous pups…we most definitely did not envy being in their shoes!
As well as the judges’ choices for winners (with the true caveat from judge Peter Egan that every dog is a winner), we couldn’t help but fall in love with some of the pups who were there to show their suppawt. So following on from our Alternative Bark Off Awards last year, here are our nominees for The Dogvine Best Alternative Great Hampstead Bark Off Awards 2017….
1. Best Dressed Dog
These dogs certainly came dressed to impress and were winning with both style and elegance.
2. Best Human & Hound Bond
It was clear that the bond between these humans & hounds is truly special and we were lucky enough to be able to share in some of their special moments during the day…
3. Most Engaging Eyes
‘Eyes are the window to the soul’ and that’s certainly true in the case of these pups…
4. Best Name
Some people clearly like to choose unique names for their dogs. Meet Halloumi (left), Beyonce (top right) and Plum Pudding (bottom left). Probably not on The Kennel Club most popular dog names list but absolute winners for us.
5. Most Colour Co-ordinated Human & Hound
This glamorous pair is definitely winning at #twinning. We’re loving the South American vibe too!
6. Best Bark Off Tongue-Out
For some it’s a case of permanent tongue-out don’t care, for others it’s a one-off. Either way, these pups made us smile, a lot.
7. Best Bark Off Stare
If there had been a staring category, these would have been the winners. These dogs made sure they kept their eyes on the prize (my treat bag) with a laser like focus!
8. Best Don’t Care Dog
To some pups it’s clearly not a big deal to get snapped by pro-puparazzi Ian McGlasham. In fact if a good sniff reveals nothing of interest act like you don’t care and casually move on…
As for those that come dressed to impress in the dog show like Jessie, sometimes you’ve just got to let go no matter if it messes up your outfit…
9. Best Adopt Me Face
Some of the current All Dogs Matter residents made an appearance on the day in the hope that someone might give them the best prize of all, a forever home. Meet the gorgeous Ned, Sid and Pico who are all hoping to find their special human…
We just heard that the Great Hampstead Bark Off 2017 raised a record-breaking £2370.61 which will go to helping more dogs in need like Ned, Sid & Pico…what absolutely pawsome news!
If you think we papped you or your pooch at The Great Hampstead Bark Off 2017 but haven’t seen it yet, we’ve got more photos over on our Facebook Page…
What a lovely blog! Thank you so much for the very special photos. Really lovely day out and wonderful to see so many people support a great charity!
Author
Thank you Tess! It was an absolutely wonderful day & lovely to see so many gorgeous dogs like Raffy, Kratu & Maya showing their support for All Dogs Matter! More photos coming shortly…x
Pawsome photographs and write-up.. We really must make the effort to attend this next year as it looks a super fun day out and for a great charity too. xxx
Author
Thanks Sal & Maya! It was a really fab day…all the All Dogs Matter Events are brilliant so would be lovely to see you at one sometime! xxx