IT wasn’t quite raining cats and dogs as daring animal lovers braved poor weather to enjoy the second Bark in the Park event.
The wet weather certainly decreased the attendance and entries at the event this September, but there was still plenty of barking mad fun on the day at Dunwood Park.
There were 46 entries across the classes of cutest puppy, prettiest bitch, scruffiest mutt, waggiest tail, best trained dog owned by young person under 16, and the most popular category of handsomest dog, as well as supreme champion, the best of all the classes.
Andy Czakow, President of the Crompton and Royton Rotary Club who run the event with the assistance of Friends of Dunwood Park, was pleased with the day given the weather.
He said: “Last year we were lucky and had great weather which brought over 100 entries and 500 people to the park.
“But the weather this year was not good. As the week went on the forecast became worse and then it was supposed to rain heavily all day, but it did not.
“We had a clear spell with only a couple of heavy showers to dampen the spirits. At 1.45pm we only had five dogs entered but at about 1.55pm suddenly we had a large number arrive at the park.
“We managed to run the event with a swift run through the classes. There were a couple of showers but overall we only had a couple of heavy brief showers.
“About 50 dogs were entered in various classes, some being more popular than others.
“I think those who turned up and took park enjoyed the afternoon.
“A big thank you to all our sponsors and people who helped in setting up and running the event., and also to our judges who undertook a difficult job and did it quickly.
“Hopefully next year the weather will be better and we can get a good turnout of entrants and spectators.”
Funds raised from the event will go to the RSPCA.