THEY came in all shapes and sizes. And they grabbed the limelight during a charity food fair at the Kota Permai food court in Bukit Mertajam.

Reason: The fair was organized by SPCA Seberang Prai to raise funds for its shelter’s daily operations.

Among the 30 dogs there were a poodle, Shih Tzu, Dalmatian, German Shepherd, British bulldog, terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Basset hound and Golden Retriever.

Rotary Club of Seberang Jaya member Bryan Chua, 42, who was seen with his pet, Roscoe, a British bulldog, said besides doing charity, the event was a good way of showcasing the different breeds.

Alan Leong Chun Keat stroking the poodle held by his father W.F.Leong while Jane Lim Bee Hua is having fun playing with her schnauzer.

“Not many pet owners in Penang have bulldogs. And, many people who saw Roscoe were surprised that he was a friendly dog,” he said.

Alan Leong Chun Keat, 30, and Jane Lim Bee Hua, 27, who were in tow with their charming schnauzer and poodle, said the family simply loved dogs.

“We have two poodles, a snauzer and a Pomeranian. This is a good gathering for dog owners to talk about their pets,” he said.

“Basset hounds have loud vocals and their hair drop quite often. You need to clean their droopy ears quite often. But, they are simply adorable,” said Lim.

She  suggested  that  next  year’s  event be held on an open field, as the dogs’ movements were limited at the congested food court.

Company technician William Ooi, 26, and his girlfriend Angeline Chow, 24, dressed up their their Shih Tzu, called Angel, with socks whenever it left the house.

SPCA Seberang Prai president Dr Roland Lim said RM30,000 was raised from the event which entered its third year this year.

“We spend about RM6,000 a month to upkeep our shelter in Bukit Mertajam.

“Last year, we collected RM18,000 through a similar event,” he said.

Lim said apart from a dog parade, eating contests for dogs and their owners, dog grooming services a ‘sing-for-charity’ programme were also held.

Engineer Terry Tan, 27, and his wife Lim Sih Fei, 26, from Bukit Mertajam also drew the crowds with their Basset hounds, Coco and Lucas.

Ooi and Chow dressing up Angel.

Phee (middle) helping a volunteer from SPCA Seberang Prai to groom a Shih Tzu.

State executive councilor Phee Boon Poh, who opened the event, praised Seberang Prai Municipal Council president Farizan Darus for supporting the shelter which was set up under the council’s Local Agenda 21 programme.