RIPLEY TOWN CENTRE HOSTED A DASHING DISPLAY OF DOGGOS AT PET EXPO

There’s just something about a tail wagging on a happy dog that puts a smile on your dial, and this was certainly the case for many of the vendors and visitors at Ripley Town Centre’s Pet Expo on Saturday 20 August.

Dogs of all shapes and sizes rolled onto Minka Place Lawn to scurry around the ball pit, splash in the water bowls and sneak a sweet treat here and there, while their best human mates enjoyed the finest of what south-east Queensland’s pet-centric small businesses had to offer.

Madeline Smith from Pluto & Ally Treatery is no stranger to dog markets, having travelled around south-east Queensland presenting handcrafted, healthy treats to all types of pets, enriching the lives of both owners and their furry friends.

“The Pet Expo just had such a different vibe when compared to a lot of other markets — it was just so chirpy and happy,” Madeline said.

“It was a beautifully organised event, and it was really nice to meet new people. The ball pit for the dogs was so much fun! We would love to come along to this kind of event again.”

Photographer Debbie Keans from DK Imagery was equally thrilled with the day.

“The greatest part of the event was the ball pits that the dogs could get into — they were a stroke of genius! The dogs absolutely loved it,” Debbie said.

The Pet Expo Photo Competition drew in some quality entries with our highly qualified judges, Dr Andrew Hemming from Ripley Vet, and Pet Mince Direct Certified Canine Nutritionist and Store Manager Adrian Eyre, um-ing and ahh-ing over who would take out Best Dressed, Most Dashing Doggo, Owner and Pet Look-a-Like and Cutest Kitty. After intense deliberation, the following winners were crowned on the day:

• Most Dashing Doggo — Loki, entered by Nikita Farmer
• Cutest Kitty — Pearl and Daisy, entered by Leanne Walker
• Best Dressed — Rebel, entered by Julie Seldon
• Owner and Pet Look-a-Like — Walden and Rachelle Ibbott.

Each winner went home with a prize pack valued at $228 including:

• $50 Ripley Town Centre gift card
• $50 Pet Mince Direct gift voucher
• Ripley Vet Surgery voucher for a vaccination and general health check (valued at $110)
• A pet bandana from Stumpy Collective.

With a few other events occurring in the area, Madeline and the team from Pluto & Ally were pleasantly surprised with the interest from both Ripley locals and those from further afield. Debbie was equally impressed in the support.

“I attend a lot of dog markets and this one was different, in such a positive way. Our foot traffic totally exceeded expectations, the event was very well run and being a slightly smaller size was a big benefit,” Debbie said.

With a special visit from the Queensland Police Dogs, roaming pup-arazzi catching all the cute snaps and face painting for the kids, the brilliant weather only complemented a well-organised and thoroughly enjoyable day. We can’t wait to see you all next year!

To see all the photos from the day, visit the Ripley Town Centre Facebook page.