After a one-year hiatus to celebrate its 150th anniversary, the 4th annual Carter’s Canine Expo made a triumphant return, drawing dog lovers from across the island to its new home at the dog training grounds at Waterford, St Michael.
The event, which focuses on holistic pet ownership, transitioned to a larger venue this year to accommodate growing crowds and provide a more comfortable experience for both humans and their four-legged companions.
The primary mission of the event remains public education. Attendees had access to expert advice on the “best food, best grooming, and best training”, all aimed at helping Barbadians care for their pets more effectively.
However, the heart of the afternoon was the Novelty Dog Show, a competition designed to be inclusive for the everyday pet owner rather than just professional handlers.
“We know how much patrons love their dogs—I have seven myself—and we know they love to show them off,” said marketing coordinator at Carter’s General Stores Tammy-Rose Evelyn. “Not everyone is at the level of the Barbados Kennel Club, so we created categories where the average person can come out, show their dog, and win.”
Despite initial nerves about filling the expansive new venue, organisers reported a “massive turnout.” While the crowd was eager to watch, some owners remained hesitant to enter the more technical categories.
Categories like “Best Trained” and “Best Trick” saw slightly fewer entries as owners felt shy about their dog’s performance.
The event concluded with a promise of continued growth, reinforcing Carter’s commitment to the local pet community as they look toward a fifth year of wagging tails and community education.
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