October 25, 2011 11.56 am This story is over 148 months old

Lincoln pet show raises money for charity

Pet show: Lincoln residents can have family fun at a rodent show in the city this weekend.

A pet show for proud rabbit, guinea pig and hamster owners has been organised in Birchwood to raise money for charity this weekend.

The Guinea Pig and Rabbit Pet Show 2011 is the idea of three members of the community to fundraise for the Weirfield Wildlife Hospital in Lincoln.

Entering a pet costs £1, with all varieties welcome, and there are plenty of prizes for winners, including rosettes and big goodie bags for children and their entrants.

There are also two raffles to take part in boasting over 50 prizes, from items for pet pampering to family day trip tickets in the county.

Event organiser Kathryn Mayer said: “I show my guinea pigs across the East Midlands. A lot of my friends who have guinea pigs wanted to get in to showing, but were nervous about going to a professional show.

“So I thought I would organise my own little guinea pig show and show them the ropes.

“I had a lot of positive feedback and support from family and friends and decided to open the show to rabbits and hamsters due to popular demand.

“The pet show had to be made in to an all-day event as there was so much interest! There are around 100 animals currently entered, which is amazing.

“I thought it would be a great opportunity to raise money for a charity and I also wanted to educate children on how to care for their animals, signs of illnesses and what to feed them and what not.

“By having a fun event, hopefully children will learn how to care and be proud of the pet by being awarded a certificate and rosette for their efforts.”

As well as the pet show, people can browse stalls from local businesses, get educated in rodent care, give a pet a health check and nail trim, meet animals like skunks or enjoy activities such as face painting.

“I have had so much support from local residents, people offering raffle and tombola prizes, but most importantly their time on the day to run stalls and assist with judging,” she added.

“Even with the current economic climate a number of animal related companies have been very generous, sending sacks of food, free samples, treats, money off vouchers, toys, bowls, bottles and a lot more.

“Local businesses such as Feed N Weed, Pets Cabin, Walkers Crisps, Scentsy, Washingborough Bowl, Pennels, Doddington Hall, Elegant Nails, White Post Farm, Wheelgate and Natureland to name but a few.

“I really have been over whelmed with the generosity and support.”

The event is free to the public, starting at 9.30am on October 29 at the Birchwood Community Centre. For rules on pet entries, visit the event’s Facebook page.

Photo: Daniel Hall