The Soi Dog Fun Day kicked off to a great start on a sunny Saturday morning. As streams of dogs and owners headed through Ross to the Hope and Anchor Inn, it was an opportunity for old friends to meet, new friends to be made, merchandise to be sold, rehomed dogs from Thailand to be reunited with the people who make it all possible, and a world record to be beaten!

First in the order of events was the dog show. One of the winners included Miracle who won ‘Prettiest bitch’.

Miracle is clearly that. She was rescued from a dog meat truck destined for Vietnam and presumed dead until the flash of a camera made everyone realise she was alive. She went on to be rehomed with Amanda from Scotland, and formed an incredible bond with Kyle, Amanda’s son who has cerebral palsy and was later diagnosed with autism. Their relationship is so incredible that Miracle won the Eukaneba Friends for Life award at Crufts this year.

‘Best Soi Dog’ was won by Dulcie. She, like so many Soi dogs, arrived at the shelter in a pitiful state, but has had a happy ending, and now lives with  Katherine in the UK.

‘Best in show’ was won by Mackam, who is now enjoying the beautiful Irish countryside after his tough life on the streets of Thailand

Other rehomed Soi dogs saved from death also mingled in the crowds. Delightful Dumbo, who has his own Facebook page, made an appearance. He was brought to Soi Dog’s shelter with a deep laceration around his neck where the chain that had kept him a prisoner for so long had worn away the fur and skin, cutting deep into the flesh. After intensive treatment, he was rehomed with Pauline from Essex.

Christy (Polo) was found on the streets of Thailand and was so neglected and starved, she wasn’t expected to live. With the dedication and care of Soi Dog and her new owner Donna, it’s clear just what a dramatic recovery she’s made.

Koda was rescued after being hit by a car and spent 18 months at the Soi Dog shelter. She is now safe and enjoying life with new best friend and owner Gaynor.

Linus was found on the roadside in a terrible state with her puppies. Although her babies didn’t survive, she fought the odds and was adopted by Dawn in Scotland and is a healthy happy girl who’s into everything!

And ball of energy Susan didn’t let her 3 legs stop her from racing around meeting and greeting everyone. When Soi Dog picked her up, she had a terrible fracture with the bone sticking out, and the leg could not be saved. Now she’s on the look out for her forever home!

All these dogs have been through horrific experiences, and their calm, sweet temperaments just show the resilience and forgiving nature of Soi dogs.

Whilst merchanise was flying off the shelf, dog portraits being made, psychic readings being given and delicious doggie cupcakes handed round, all the dogs lined up at 1.00pm for the Guinness World Record attempt; to beat 764 dogs in one place wearing bandanas. Even the mayor of Ross on Wye was on hand to help!

The record set at the Essex Dog Day in the UK in 2014, of 407, was beaten with a tremendous 566 dogs in one place wearing bandanas. The world record wasn’t beaten but it was really heartfelt that so many dogs turned up to support the cause.

Towards the end of the day, Gill and John Dalley, the founders of Soi Dog, announced the winner of the raffle, a luxury trip to Thailand, and the new celebrity ambassador for Soi Dog; the pop star Will Young. He’s a huge dog lover and passionate about Soi Dog’s mission. He couldn’t be there on the day as he was performing at Glastonbury, but he sent a personal message of support. Who knows, may be he’ll write a song for Soi Dog!

Soi Dog is a not-for-profit charity that relies completely on donations from individuals. Soi Dog sterilises and vaccinates street dogs and cats in Phuket and Bangkok. It gives them medical treatment when they are sick or injured, provides shelter for them, and has an intensive adoptions programme to find new homes for as many as possible. It also works to rescue and re-home dogs saved from Thailand’s illegal dog meat trade. If you would like to help Soi Dog by volunteering at the shelter, fundraising, donating, sponsoring a dog, becoming a flight volunteer or adopting, please visit their website at www.soidog.org or see their page on Facebook for more details (www.facebook.com/SoiDogPageInEnglish)