The Catlins rolled out the sunshine, and Pet Day was nothing short of pawsome. By morning tea the animals and creations were stacking up faster than you could say “treat!” It’s always fantastic to watch whānau and the wider community come together for cheering, judging, and chipping in with prizes and baking.

There were pets of every shape and size this year, we even set a record for dogs. There were cats, ducks, rabbits, goats and lambs, plus we had a horse who strutted its stuff, a crab named LeBron, and a whole crew of slaters who quietly stole the show. Our judges got busy putting pets and their humans through their paces with questions, challenges and a few skill tests before making the tough calls.

The creative corner was booming too. Cakes looked like art, dioramas and scenes were really imaginative, LEGO had its moment, and cupcakes tempted everyone. There were crafty critters made from fruit and veg and even some golf balls made some creative pets. The BBQ and iceblocks? Gone in a flash.

Costume time was a real highlight. Owners and pets rocked up as Santa's little helpers, angels, devils, and even a tiny Miss Muffet popped in for a cuppa and a web. The cake raffle stacked up some serious coin and those cakes were next-level impressive.

Events like this don’t happen by magic. A huge shout-out to Mark Preddy, Alyssa McDougall and Kaiyo Nakajima for planning and pulling it all together, and a massive thank-you to our community judges for giving their time. Thanks to our generous sponsors for the prizes, to everyone who donated baking for the cake raffle, and to Mr B and his BBQ squad.

All in all it was a tail-wagging time, and we already can’t wait for next year! Check out the results below:

J U N I O R S

Champion Junior Lamb - Lexi Preddy and Jaco

Reserve Champion Junior Lamb - Emma Parkes and Tiny

Champion Junior Goat - Aycian Hawkins and Flash

Reserve Champion Junior Goat - Quade Hawkins and Jacob

Champion Junior Horse - Harley Cullen and Cossie

Champion Junior Dog - Otto Mageria and Lavender

Reserve Champion Junior Dog - Kayden Parkes and Roxy

Champion Junior Other Pets - Reyne Robertson and LeBron

Reserve Champion Junior Other Pets - Tristan Turner and Flappy & Roxy

Champion Crafted Animal Junior - Lachlan Cairns

Reserve Champion Crafted Animal Junior - Lucy Perrin

Champion Sand Saucer Junior - Lexi Preddy

Reserve Champion Sand Saucer Junior - George Rowland

Champion Baking Junior - Jacob Bradfield

Reserve Champion Baking Junior - Thomas Bradfield

Champion Diorama/Tray Scene Junior - Quinn Povey

Reserve Champion Diorama/Tray Scene Junior - Ava Sellars

S E N I O R S

Champion Senior Lamb - Maggie Bradfield and Bunter

Reserve Champion Senior Lamb - Brooklyn Landreth and Pixie

Champion Senior Dog - Khloe Dawkins and Bruno

Reserve Senior Champion - Billie Olsen and Kora

Champion Senior Other Pets - Indie Parkes and Buddy

Reserve Champion Senior Other Pets - Jacquelyn Barrett and Milo

Champion Crafted Animal Senior - Brooklyn Landreth

Reserve Champion Crafted Animal Senior - Haley Jarvis

Champion Baking Senior - Rawiri Wilson

Reserve Champion Baking Senior - Brooklyn Landreth

Champion Diorama/Tray Scene Senior - Haley Jarvis

Reserve Champion Diorama/Tray Scene Senior - Indie Parkes