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Woof, what a lot of sniffing and tail wagging: Sunshine and summery temperatures drew over 12,000 two and four-legged friends to the second ever “Düsseldorf Dog Event” at the racecourse in Grafenberg, Düsseldorf. A colourful programme with entertainment, information and activities created the perfect atmosphere for dog lovers and their loyal companions to come together at the huge rendezvous, true to the motto “see and be seen, sniff and be sniffed”. At the end of the day, a total of 7,000 euros was raised in support of animal welfare through different fundraising events, which will be donated to various animal welfare projects in Düsseldorf in the near future.

“The Dog Event has established itself as the most popular dog event in the region,” says organizer Jörg Dräbert from Fressnapf, thrilled. “Fine weather, a fantastic programme and the good spirits of dog owners and their four-legged friends were all factors in ensuring that this year’s event was particularly successful." Around 90 exhibitors answered the call of dog city Düsseldorf, offering a wide range of dog-related products and services at their stands. Animal shelters, dog psychotherapists, dog trainers and pet funeral homes showcased their services. A dog-friendly motorhome wooed potential leasers, while Monika Lukas rattled the pots and pans for four-legged diners in the mobile “Paw Restaurant”. The canine-friendly menu included lips, beef hearts and dog biscuits with honey. Dogs also faced a storm of flashbulbs or the keen eye of a professional jury at various casting sessions.

A real highlight of the event was dog diving – or rather, dogs jumping into cold water! Dogs had to leap from a diving board into a swimming pool and fetch a tennis ball – cheered on by onlookers, who also witnessed how some “scaredy cats” backed away from the water with their tails between their legs. Well-known TV presenter Claudia Ludwig hosted the entertainment programme in the performance arena on the lush green racetrack – from sporty pugs in action and RTL “Supertalent” winners Yvo Antoni and PrimaDonna through to trick dogs and dog dancing. Meanwhile, dog experts spoke about dog-related topics such as dental care, body language and diet in a seminar room.

A large proportion of the 7,000 euros raised came from the sale of a giant home-made dog cake. “We pre-baked a three and a half metre long dog cake from almost 100 kg of ingredients, including plenty of liver,” explains Jörg Dräbert. “Each delicious piece went for 50 cents or more, and the proceeds of around 500 euros will go straight to the Tiertafel Deutschland e. V. distribution centre in Düsseldorf.” Other exhibitors also donated their takings to animal welfare – Düsseldorf dog groomer Claudia Franke offered a fur check-up with a cut, style and brush. Last but not least, the tiny wire-haired dachshund “tin-shaking” Robi toddled around the arena together with his owner and a donation tin. “Thank you to everyone for their generous support. We will decide which animal welfare projects will receive the 7,000 euros in the near future.”

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Dog Event RGB – JPG Dog lovers and their faithful companions came together to rendezvous at the Dog Event at the Düsseldorf racecourse true to the motto “see and be seen, sniff and be sniffed”. (6.9.2010) Photo: Fressnapf/Uwe Moebus Download (378KB)