A dog who was dumped outside a fruit and vegetable store in Tokai and rescued by a shopper took top honours in the 14th annual Cape of Good Hope SPCA Mutt of the Year held in Camps Bay on Saturday 2 May.

 

Shenzi a wire-haired mutt wowed judges at the SPCA fundraising event with his gentle and charming nature and perfect obedient behaviour. His owner Lindy Croxford was overjoyed as she recounted the day she picked up Shenzi who was timidly hovering around the store looking for scraps to satisfy his hunger.

 

“I tried to look away but just couldn’t. He was desperately thin but there was a sparkle in his eyes that said ‘please help me’ and I couldn’t refuse” she said.

 

“Through lots of love and attention he’s been transformed into a very loving and caring dog who is  accommodating and protective of his family which includes three other canine mates at our home in
Noordhoek” said Lindy.

 

The event which also saw prizes awarded to winners of the SPCA Pup and Veteran of the Year as well as the Dog/Owner look-a-like competition Dyson shaggiest dog and Dog with the Longest Tail was a celebration of
the relationship between the dog and its owner above good looks.

 

“It was tough for the judges to choose one dog over another because all demonstrated that they are truly ‘man’s best friend’” said Cape of Good Hope SPCA event organiser Juan August. “We were thrilled to see so
many children showing off how much they love their dogs and for us all the entrants were worthy winners” he said.

 

In recognition to those who adopted their dog from the SPCA or another shelter event sponsor Joanne Lefson and her rescue dog Oscar of the World Woof Tour handed out donated Rogz leads and collars. Lefson who started the first leg of her world tour to promote dog adoption and sterilisation made an impassioned plea to event-goers to consider adopting a dog from a shelter before buying one. “There are 475 million dogs in shelters and pounds around the world needing good homes and this number keeps growing with every dog left unsterilized” she said.

 

Follow Joanne and Oscar as they pant and woof through 33 countries visiting over 60 organisations to spread their message – visit www.worldwooftour.com

 

[Posted 3 May 2009]