PUP AID Brings Canine Care To The Fore
The big, the small, the cute, the dribbly jowled (and dare we say, visually challenged!). Dogs from all walks of life turned out for the amazing Pup Aid 2018 event at Primrose Hill last week (September 1st).
What an event this was, and certified proof that the UK is a nation of dog lovers, whether man’s best friend is hairless or shaggy coated – they were all there in full force to celebrate the amazing cause. No holds barred here – it really didn’t matter about the latest hairdo, jewelled colours or fancy coats, or a plain ‘just got out of my bed look’, our four-legged friends were welcomed along with dedicated owners to raise funds for this great cause. The pups weren’t the only star-studded line up – celebrities from film, TV, theatre, comedy and sport also rose to the occasion.
Pup Aid has grown from year to year and was originally the brainchild of vet Marc Abraham who wanted to highlight the plight of puppies bred by unscrupulous dealers on puppy farms, often in abysmal conditions causing illness, pain and suffering to these defenceless animals. One such dog was Lucy, a King Charles Spaniel, who was rescued from a puppy farm in Wales by Lisa Garner, who has also been active in campaigning to get unethical puppy farming banned in the UK. With an amazing team of supporters, Lucy’s Law was finally passed through Parliament and is currently being processed to prevent dogs under the age of 6 months being sold by puppy farms and online dealers. Now the general public will have to deal directly with proper breeders and not third party sellers. Sadly, too late for Lucy who died in 2016, but what a legacy she and owner Lisa have left for others to benefit.
But what a day Pup Aid 2018 was! It was a barking success, as owners, celebrities and campaigners celebrated the passing of Lucy’s Law along with the true dog-loving public. After nine years of endless campaigning, this event could not have been more poignant and fitting for everyone to let their hair down and have fun – and they certainly did! If you ever want to indulge in pooch petting, this was indeed the venue. Paws and kisses ruled the day!
Pets win prizes – you cannot contemplate a dog event without some awards. On this glorious, sunny day where spirits and mood were high, the dogs were having their finest hours ‘strutting their stuff’! A team of judges including celebrities voted for over 10 categories. Rising to the occasion, the awards encompassed everything from ‘Best in Show’, ‘Golden Oldies’, ‘Waggiest Tail’, ‘Most Stylish’ and ‘Bravest Dog’. There were even ‘look alike’ categories for both owners and celebrity similarities.
After all the pomp and ceremony, it really was party time. The celebs mingled with the public enjoying the day and celebrating the result of Lucy’s Law. It was clear in the air how everyone who attended adored dogs and wanted to help after so many years of campaigning. Celebrity input has been amazing – Ricky Gervais, Peter Egan, Gail Porter and Calum Best were particularly enthusiastic about Pup Aid and the achievement of Lucy’s Law after so much effort in lobbying Parliament and Downing Street. There were many other celebrities who due to commitments could not attend, but the commitment and warmth of the day shone through.
On interview, vet Marc was ecstatic, that finally, ‘the pet industry has been given a kick up the bum’.
Nine years of campaigning has finally given dogs the lives that they will deserve.
- PupAid 2018 took lace in Primrose Hill. PupAid campaigns to end the cruel puppy farming trade. Visit pupaid.org for further information.
