Hooray for Doggywood

The famous Fair Day dog show -“ which, some may recall, was once won by a chicken -“ is getting zhuzhed up in 2005.

Saliva Survivor will be a not-so-gruelling contest of speed, water-loving abilities and glamour.

Dogs and owners will compete in four heats in four events: Dizzy Lizzy, the Wet and Warm Experience, the Meanest Mince and the Paris Hilton.

Dizzy Lizzy is a slalom course for dogs. Wet and Warm is a battle of wills in a wading pool. The Meanest Mince is a red carpet walk with full turn at the end.

And the most glamorous event of all? The Paris Hilton, organiser Justine Todd says.

Dogs and owners will get matching accessories -“ collars, harnesses, leads, bandannas and a little bag -“ and they’ll have three minutes to get as dressed up as they can.

Todd says the move away from the more traditional dog show is to make the event more fun for everyone, dogs, owners, and spectators.

For those not interested in being the sole Saliva Survivor, Fair Day organisers are arranging a Doggy Chill Out space with a gazebo and paddling pool.

RSPCA vets will be on hand and dog owners can win some great prizes in a raffle.

The sole Saliva Survivor will pick up great prizes from Doggywood presenting partner Advance, the dog food and accessories company, but all entrants have a chance to win prizes in the heats and finals.

Owners will be able to register their dogs online at www.mardigras.org.au before Fair Day, or they can turn up on the day. A maximum of 60 dogs can compete. All entrants can vote for the sole Saliva Survivor.

Doggywood presented by Advance is held at Fair Day, Victoria Park, Camperdown, on Sunday 20 February. Heats will take place at noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.