As a kid growing up in the country, it was a very, very big deal to come up to the city and go to the show.
I didn't get to go often, in fact, just the once that I remember as a young child. I saved my pocket money, mum and dad saved money too, I think I was about 10 or 11 years old. We came up by train to the 'big smoke'. We would often go places by train as dad worked for the Victorian Railways. I got to toot the train horn at level crossings and knew the drivers by name.
The day we came to the Royal Melbourne Show, it was show day. It was packed, packed, packed and I was oh, so excited. Nervous and excited. Excited and nervous. You get the idea I am sure. People everywhere, animals everywhere and lots of colour, noise and movement.
I was desperate to see the horses, the dogs, the cats and the cows - weird because as a country kid I got to see them all the time! And see them we did. I loved every minute of it and wished I could have bought our dog with us. I remember thinking that. He would have hated it of course but at the time, I wanted to share the experience with him.
This year, the Royal Melbourne Show is on from the 23rd of September to the 3rd of October. Just from a canine point of view, it promises to be exciting!
If you are thinking of getting a dog and/or just want to see certain breeds in action - the show is a great way to do it. If you are interested in let's say Chihuahua's, Dachshunds, Akita's, Irish Setters or Affenpinschers or whatever - then look up the schedule to see when they will be at the grounds. You can download the pdf schedule here. Don't be disappointed - the different breeds aren't there the whole time of the show - look at the schedule and time your visit around just what breeds you really want to see.
Then there is the amazingly exciting and jaw dropping canine entertainment from the Flipping Disc Dogz to watching the Australian Working Dogs Rescue herd Ducks! The thrills and excitement and the possibilities are incredible. The Howling Huskys Sledding Demonstration sounds particularly appealing. For more information on the Dog Entertainment Schedule - check out this link
Another one that would be interesting would be the Dog Grooming Competition. That is being held on the 1st of October int eh Advance Dog Pavilion from 10am to 5pm.
If you would like much more detailed and technical information - check out the RASV Website (stands for the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria)
Last year's Best in Show Winner....from the RASV Website
"Irish Setter SUPREME CHAMPION TULLANE POMP N CEREMONY exhibited by Ms C Paine, has been awarded Best in Show at the prestigious Royal Melbourne Show All Breeds Championship Show today. Presented by The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) in conjunction with DOGS Victoria, the Royal Melbourne Show All Breeds Championship Show is one the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere, with over 3700 entries and 1,500 exhibitors competing for a prestigious Royal Melbourne blue ribbon."
Best of Breed from 57 Bernese Mountain Dog entries in at the 2016 Royal Melbourne Show........
"KEITH" Australian Champion Malicloy Hit The Ground Runnin (Rom Gr Ch.Rus Ch.Pol Ch.Aust Ch. Jim Jum z Deikowej Doliny (Imp Pol) x Aust Ch. Malicloy Against All Odds)
So, I hope I have whet your appetite for a big bit of dog loving at the Royal Melbourne Show - get excited! I am!