Doggy Art Show - for Dogs!
An art gallery in Didsbury has set a precedent for art exhibitions, opening its doors to dozens of dogs for their very own show.
Queenston Arthouse invited all shapes and sizes of dog to come along for a one-off afternoon of dog-themed art and pampering.
The Gallery owner, Laura Mayall, was looking for a way to unite the community and enjoy some art. She explained: "People are a bit threatened by galleries and a bit threatened by art, and I wanted to make it easier for people."
Her inspiration came from a chance encounter on holiday. When staying at a hotel in Boston, she stumbled across a Wednesday night 'Yappy Hour', where people and their pets come to drink cocktails. The dogs were allowed to run around in the yard and were given doggy cocktails themselves.
Laura, herself an owner of eight dogs, decided to use a similar theme when planning a series of light-hearted summer events at her gallery.
Confessing to some fears over the behaviour of the dogs, she was delighted when "there weren't any fights. There was a great dane in the pond, we had a sausage dog called Max, a bichon frise, schnauzers and staffies. It was a great mix of dogs."
She added: "It's not just about paintings. It's about food and drink, music and dogs - the good things in life."
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
