These dogs tied for the top prize at a neighbourhood dog show, organized to put a smile on everyone's face. (submitted/Dirk Heydemann)

By Spencer Sterritt

Best in show

Neighbourhood dog show brings big smiles and great times

May 24, 2020 | 7:47 AM

NANAIMO — “It’s about coming together and celebrating our furbabies,” photographer Dirk Heydemann said with a laugh.

He’s got much to laugh about, after organizing a successful neighbourhood dog show on Tuesday, May 19.

“I think everyone had been feeling cooped up for a while. With the restrictions being somewhat lifted, this was a great event for neighbours to come out,” he told NanaimoNewsNOW.

The idea came to him when seeing all the dogs out with their owners during the 7 p.m. cheer, which fills his neighbourhood with a wide variety of enthusiastic sounds.

“I’d seen in the news what people are doing to connect with their neighbours. All the pieces came together so nicely, it just seemed perfect.”

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Prizes were donated from the Bosley’s by Pet Value on Bowen Rd. Twenty-five prize bags were given away, with additional prizes for award-winning dogs.

Heydemann’s daughter and the daughters of many neighbours crafted unique categories for the dogs.

“They had their fun coming up with the categories and I think the audience loved that,” he said.

Categories included most embarrassing dog, best trick and most misbehaved dog, as well as best in show and a variety of others.

There was actually a tie for first place.

The neighbourhood dog show also raised $230 for the Nanaimo SPCA.

Heydemann said there’s already calls for another neighbourhood dog show or something similar next year.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit