Muscat – Delilah has been Sandeep Sehgal’s sweetheart for over 12 years. She is more than a daughter, the favourite of every family member.

Delilah doesn’t earn a living, neither does she have a bank account, but her presence is the most prized possession for the Sehgals. They simply cannot do without her warm hugs every morning and evening, and her spirited greeting when each one comes home everyday cannot be traded for anything else.

The 12-year-old snow white Shih-Tzu, strapped on with a black and red leash, with joyful eyes, was one of the participants at the 2022 National Day Dog Show. Her master said, “She is like a daughter to me and our bond has been a very fond one. She has a strange healing power and her very presence makes me forget all my tensions and cares.”

Over 55 pet dogs attended the 2022 National Day Dog Show at Al Amal Club on Friday evening. Organised by the newly set up Al Nawader K9 Club Oman, it was the first official canine club in Oman. Three breeds – German Shepherd showline long hair, Pomeranian, and Shih-Tzu – presented a parade at the ring show where three toppers were announced as winners. Other breeds, like alsatians and bulldogs, also showed up for the three-hour event.

Speaking about the event, Amal Tariq al Khabouri, chairperson of the club, said, “The 2022 National Dog Show has been designed as an opportunity to meet other canine friendly people whilst making a difference to the canine society in Oman. Also, to promote responsible dog ownership and encourage other members to put in place programmes to that effect. We would like to have a foundation where we act as spokespersons on dog related activities and to pledge assistance and support to the other bodies. Our service is voluntary, we want to work with the people, and we want them to join us on a path to change. We also believe that being part of a dog club allows you to participate in your local community as an ambassador for dogs, in general.”

The evening looked similar to a romantic date night for dogs as the canines were thrilled to socialise and meet new friends. Most of the dogs rarely get a chance to meet their canine friends and the evening gave them a good chance to run, greet one another and enjoy the great outdoors in style.

Both, male and female dogs, were well groomed with colourful bands – some even wore pretty dresses. Some seemed shy, seeing the glare of lights and clung hard to their masters. But as the evening rolled by, they soon got used to the lights and enjoyed some spirited barking, just to make their presence felt at the dog show.

Hashim with his gorgeous Apache (one year old German shepherd), Charles with Tales (4 month old chihuahua) and Maryam with Poco (3 year old Pekingese) were among many who, with their pets at the ground, had a thrill of a time.

Sudipta Dasgupta, whose pet dog Hazel won the second place, said, “Hazel is a pure Shih-Tzu breed. She is one and a half years old. We entered this dog show on a last minute hustle. I had no plans to enter Hazel but decided just two hours prior to get her in, just to have some fun and for her to make some new friends. “We did zero preparation except a quick blow dry and grooming session an hour before the show. She is trained but I didn’t train her particularly for the show as I wasn’t aware of what was going to be asked. All I did was carry lots of treats and just made sure she followed my commands with the treats.”

There are twenty animal clubs (including those for birds, pigeons, fish, rabbits) under Al Nawader Club and the newly formed K9 for dogs. Besides the dog show, the club also has ambitious plans in the future to host beauty pageants, workshops and conferences about pet dogs in Oman.

Amal added, “Omanis have always loved pets and dogs are one of their favourites. A large percentage of today’s participants are Omanis and this itself is testimony to ‘the love for dogs’ among Omanis.”

She further said, “The entire event is indeed a team work. I commend the efforts put in by Azzan Ahmed al Zadjali, Azzan Mahmood al Zadjali, Muayed al Zadjali, Aiman Sabil al Balushi and Dr. Issa Sabeel al Balushi.”

Winning List @ German Shepherd

Male: Hero (Owner: Mohsin Agha, Oman Kennel)

Female: Rita (Owner: Mohsin Agha, Oman Kennel)

Winning List @ Pomeranian

Male: Heiven (Owner: Qais al Ameri)

Female: Sozi (Owner: Haitham al Ameri)

Winning List @ Shih Tzu

Male: Milo (Owner: Sabra Jawad)

Female: Coco (Owner: Talia)