Blue Cross Well Dog Show- You are invited

Are you the proud owner of an all-Indian dog? If yes, get ready to show off your best friend of the four-legged kind at the Blue Cross Well Dog Show – celebrated every year as the dog show with a difference. The dogs have unique personalities, are a mixture of various breeds and have heartwarming rescue and adoption stories to tell. And the event is also a tribute to their companions- people who’ve chosen to take in an animal in need, regardless of their non-pedigree parentage. In fact, Indian breeds (also known as mongrels) are known for their robust immune systems that make them less susceptible to illnesses. Their fur coats are also perfectly suited to Indian climatic conditions and these country dogs live long and healthy lives.

The show highlights the lovable qualities of a dog that are observable even when they’re just being themselves. This means no ‘tricks’, performances, obstacle courses, jumping through hoops or unnatural hand-shakes. The coveted titles at this annual show include “Best Rescue” (for a dog with a fascinating rescue story), “Survivor Award” (for a pet who has triumphed over a serious accident or illness) and random fun titles like “The Dog with the Waggiest Tail”.

As Dr. S. Chinny Krishna, Chairman of Blue Cross puts it- “Our objective is to demonstrate our pride in our All-Indian dogs”. Certificates, gift hampers, freebies and medals will be doled out to the dogs and their companions. While there are special categories of prizes for dogs with the rarest spots or best-maintained fur coat, anyone who has participated in the Blue Cross Well Dog Show knows that their dog is already a winner.

Hero in real life

Leading lady Sadaa juggles film shooting, award shows, interviews and travel with the thing that she finds most fulfilling- playing a saviour in real life.

Recently, the actress heard the sorrowful mews of an orphaned kitten in the neighbourhood and decided to investigate when the mewing continued late into the night. “My mum knew that something was wrong and I went to check. It was hiding under the car and ran from one hiding place to another but my dad managed to get it out.

We kept it for a week until PETA helped us by adopting her”, she says of her latest rescue, as it’s not the first time she’s taken notice of an animal in distress. “Pigeons, wild birds, ducks…” she says, trying to recall the various species that her family has lent a helping hand to, while on their morning walks.

Last year, she found an injured kitten whose spinal problems rendered her hind legs unusable. “We admitted her to SPCA where she passed away. The animal may or may not survive, but we have to try”. She’s motivated by empathy– “My mother has always said ‘put yourself in that position when you think of tying a string around an insect and dragging it’. Parents should guide their children not to be cruel.

 If someone hurts us, we can cry out in pain but animals can’t even speak. They have to go through it all by themselves”. Speaking about what happens after she nurses a fallen bird back to health, she says –“Freedom is important to a bird. I let them go”. The star is convinced that success and adulation come second to the rush that comes from saving a life. “I don’t think any feeling can match that”, she signs off cheerfully