Western Park in Ponsonby came alive on Sunday, 9 March, as dog lovers and the LGBTQ+ community gathered for Woof! – The Auckland Rainbow Dog Show. Scroll down for our gorgeous gallery of photos from the event.
The event, a joyful celebration of diversity and canine charisma, saw pups of all shapes and sizes competing in fun categories like Best Dressed, Dog & Owner Lookalike, Most Camp, Most Butch, Best Trick/Talent, and Best in Show.
Organised by Steven Oates and friends, Woof! is an annual highlight, raising funds for the Auckland SPCA through entry fees and donations. “We are constantly blown away every year by how fun and inclusive our little event is, and we have you to thank,” Oates said, expressing gratitude to attendees. This year, nearly $900 was raised for the SPCA, with donations still trickling in.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive atmosphere, a small group of protesters attempted to disrupt the event. Oates noted that the group included three individuals in Man Up t-shirts and another using a megaphone to shout, “dogs aren’t gay.” Positioned at the top of the hill, their presence was largely ignored. “They left after about 20 minutes. I think they realised that no one was paying them any attention,” Oates said.
With police on-site to ensure safety, the protest ended without incident. Oates had a simple message for those who oppose Pride events: “Go and have a conversation with the queer members of your whānau. Ask them about their journey and get to know them as people… We aren’t the enemy, we are fabulous.”
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For those who missed Woof! but still want to support the SPCA, donations can be made at this fundraising page.
LOOKING FOR YOUR PHOTO? FIND IT AND PURCHASE IT HERE, HIGH-RESOLUTION AND WATERMARK-FREE!
Photos | Jasmin Sheikh.
