Photos from the 18th Annual Reunion and Fun Day

Battersea welcomed more than 5,000 visitors and 1,000 dogs to its 18th Annual Reunion and Fun Day in Battersea Park today, sponsored by Burns Pet Nutrition.

As the sun shone brightly Battersea Park turned into a doggy paradise, with competitions including waggiest tail, fancy dress, handsomest hound and the ever-popular Best Battersea dog class.

The park was packed with dogs and their owners, and while four-legged visitors splashed around in the paddling pool and enjoyed the doggy tombola, their owners enjoyed watching a range of competitions and classes, browsing stalls, and tucking into tasty treats.

There was a definite air of competition as owners and their dogs battled to win a rosette in the classes, with April the Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross taking the crown as Best Battersea dog. This gentle girl arrived at Battersea in January 2011 with severe wounds on her face, and staff believe her muzzle had been tied shut with wire. She is now enjoying life with Nikki Windsor and David Malcolm from Walthamstow, and Nikki said: “She’s such a lovely, friendly dog despite everything she’s been through, and we are really proud of her today.”

One of the highlights of the day was an event with the stars of Battersea’s new ITV1 series, Paul O’Grady. For the Love of Dogs. They included Sparkle, a Staffie who is now living happily in Essex, having been found emaciated and dumped in a suitcase in a London park. Along with several other dogs who appear in the series, she was greeted with a huge round of applause from the audience. Her owner Paula Owen explained: “Everyone has been coming to say hello - she’s a real celebrity! She is lapping up the attention and it’s wonderful for her to have such a fantastic day.”

Battersea’s Chief Executive Claire Horton said: “Our Annual Reunion and Fun Day has been a dog-lover’s paradise. Everywhere you looked there were dogs and owners enjoying themselves and we felt an overwhelming amount of support and love for Battersea, as many people travelled huge distances to be with us. It is always wonderful to see our former residents enjoying their new lives and hear about the difference they’ve made to their new families.”

The event was sponsored by Burns Pet Nutrition, who shared nutritional advice with owners, and ran a very popular competition to win a year’s supply of dog food.

You can see some of the photos from the event below. We’ll be adding more on Monday, and if you are a Facebook user you can see more photos on our Facebook group here..

We would like to say a huge thank you to all the dogs and people who attended, and our sponsors and exhibitors, for making today so special.

**All photos were taken by Clint Images**