The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) is hosting a different kind of dog show. It’s called Ruffs, and it celebrates mistreated and abandoned dogs who have had their lives totally turned around by well caring pet parents.
This alternative dog show focuses on animal welfare, and not looks. Canines will be judged on how they overcame adversity. Judges of the contest are currently looking for dogs who they claim are perfect on the inside, have triumphed after being abandoned or abused, and are living a good life.
The goal behind this dog show is to change the role of traditional dogs shows that focus on looks. Ruffs is concerned with an overall transformation. The show highlights how re-homed dogs have bounced back into happy and well loved family members. Past stories, if known, will be told and how — through good caring people — dogs have adjusted despite poor beginnings.
Violet Owens, who works for the RSPCA, tells the Mirror, “Our finalists would never be perfect according to breed standards used in shows like Crufts, but they represent the true spirit of the contest which celebrates dogs for health, welfare and happiness, which should always be put before how a dog looks.”
The contest is open to anyone in the U.K. who has re-homed a dog from an RSPCA center. For information on how to host a similar event or to find out more about Ruffs, send an email to Ruffs Campaign by February 20 to Campaigns@RSPCA.org.uk.
