Mangaluru's Karavali Utsava Grounds Transform into Canine Carnival
The Karavali Utsava grounds in Mangaluru witnessed a spectacular gathering of dog enthusiasts as the district administration, zilla panchayat, and the department of animal husbandry and veterinary services jointly organized a vibrant dog show. The venue buzzed with excitement as wagging tails and cheerful barks filled the air, creating a festive atmosphere for pet lovers from across the region.
Canine Stars Showcase Talent and Charm
Dogs of various breeds captivated visitors with their confident gait, playful antics, and striking appearances. The event featured engaging demonstrations that highlighted obedience, agility, and the special bond between pets and their owners, drawing loud cheers from the audience. Children were particularly delighted to see pets dressed in colorful costumes, complete with decorative hair clips, adding a touch of whimsy to the proceedings.
Notable Participants and Their Beloved Pets
Among the star attractions was Hunter, a 13-month-old Great Dane that traveled all the way from Hassan. Owner Raghavendra, who operates the Hasanamba Kennel, also brought along a boxer and a Rottweiler. He proudly shared that Hunter had already earned the champion title after winning at the prestigious Kennel Club of India (KCI) show in November last year.
Three-year-old Viyoni Ishi, accompanied by her mother Sneha from Someshwara, attended the show with Maggi, a charming Shih Tzu. Another participant from Kotekar Beeri arrived with Gucci, also a Shih Tzu. Sisters Ashwini and Akshatha participated with Bablu, a fluffy Pomeranian, and Sonu, another Shih Tzu. Dr Divya Damodar returned to the show for the second consecutive year with Kaju, her mixed Shih Apso breed dog. She revealed that her 2.9-year-old pet had won a prize in the mixed-breed category at last year's event.
Socialization and Local Breed Representation
For Asmitha and Brahmanand Kandlur from Car Street, who arrived with their Chow Chow named Tasha, the event provided a wonderful opportunity for their pet to socialize with other dogs. Sanag Acharya stood out as one of the few participants showcasing a local breed, arriving with Cheethu, a one-year-old desi dog that charmed everyone with its spirited presence.
Bharath Prasad from Jeppu brought his elegant Caravan Hound Shasha to the show. He explained, "I want Shasha to get familiar with such events, which will help in future competitions." Meanwhile, Raju drew considerable attention with his four Chow Chow dogs - Romeo, Ria, Rosy, and Ruby. He noted that despite the breed's requirement for cooler weather due to its long coat, Chow Chows are surprisingly well-suited for apartment living.
Event Organization and Competition Details
Arun Kumar Shetty, deputy director of the department of animal husbandry and veterinary services, provided insights into the event's scale. He confirmed that 230 dogs from 29 different breeds were officially registered for the competition. Shetty mentioned that space constraints at Kadri Park last year had prompted organizers to shift the show to the more spacious Karavali Utsava grounds this time. "An elevated stage was set up to ensure better visibility for spectators," he added, highlighting the thoughtful arrangements made for attendees.
The competition was structured into multiple categories:
- Three to six months age group
- Six to twelve months age group
- Breed-wise competitions for dogs above twelve months
The overall champion received a generous cash prize of Rs 25,000 along with a prestigious trophy, making the event both competitive and rewarding for participants. The successful organization of this dog show underscores Mangaluru's growing reputation as a city that celebrates pet culture and promotes responsible pet ownership through engaging community events.
