A German Shepherd dog called Loki has won the top prize at a Romford shopping centre's dog show.
Mercury Mall hosted its annual ‘That’s My Doggo’ dog show yesterday (August 17) – with the cutest dogs from across Havering all competing to make an impact on the judges.
Prizes included those for ‘most appealing eyes’, ‘waggiest tail’ and ‘prettiest princess’.
Loki, aged four, not only scooped the ‘best in show’ rosette, but also beat the competition to take home ‘handsome prince’.
The grand prize for 'best in show' winner (Image: Sandra Rowse)
Owner Tracey Tallintire told Romford Recorder that she was “very proud” of her pup and that she hoped it would help to correct misconceptions about German Shepherds.
She said: “So many people are scared of big dogs, and I just want to show that they’re not necessarily scary.
“I have left the park before in tears after seeing groups of people with their Cockapoos and their Labradors, and then everyone seems to cross the road when it comes to big dogs.
“Loki is extremely friendly and it’s amazing that he’s won.”
Pictured: entries into 'child's best friend' category. Tracey says Loki has helped her daughter Scarlett get over her fear of dogs. (Image: Sandra Rowse)
Tracey added that Loki helped her to deal with her grief after her mum’s death, and has also found a firm friend in her nine-year-old daughter Scarlett, who used to be scared of dogs.
Each dog entered into yesterday’s show, which helped to raise money for local animal charities Upminster’s Wanderers Haven Animal Sanctuary and Scruffy’s Angels, received treats and a rosette.
Last year’s event raised more than £600 for the charities, bringing the total raised to more than £1,000 for the first two editions of the show, which started in 2022.
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