A DAY in Barry was dedicated to man’s best friend as part of International Dogs’ Day 2024.

Locals were paw-sitively amazed by the Amelia Trust Farm charity dog which took place recently.

The event organised by The Blue Ridge Canine Academy saw many smiling faces and wagging tails attend. Alongside, a star-studded panel including Capitol Radio’s Josh Andrews.

Events included: An Agility display by Blue Ridge Canine Academy, An open Agility contest (for anyone to enter), Best ‘Looky-Likey’ competition, Best Recall and Down competition demonstrated by Blue Ridge Canine Academy, Best sausage catcher competition (Open for anyone to enter), Best Female and Best Male, and – Best in Show.

Sam Radford, 28, runs Barry based dog parlour ‘Chip Scan and Groom’ Sam said the following about the day: ‘The Amelia Trust Farm dog show was just exceptional from the people running the day who made it run smoothly all the way to the well-behaved dogs.’

Fellow dog lover and Capitol Radio’s Josh Andrews, 31, also attended as a judge he said: “As a massive dog lover myself, I was really honoured to be asked to help judge the dog show at Amelia Trust Farm. They're a great Welsh charity who help young people learn vital life skills.”

He continued: “There were so many amazing dogs and owners, and it was loads of fun!"

Josh is the proud owner of a sausage dog named Pickles.

In Total a £1,750.82 was raised.

However, beloved pets are not the only dogs honoured on this day. The lifechanging work carried out by service dogs has also been recognised by the Barry community.

Chloe McBratney, of Barry, was born with vision impairment and will eventually lose her sight. Five years ago, she was partnered with guide dog Emily, who has enhanced Chloe's daily life and become an integral part of her work as a Special Educational Needs multi-sports coach at Cardiff City Community Foundation. Chloe’s mantra is “Your disability doesn’t define your ability”.

Guide dog Emily has turned out to be the perfect partner, helping Chloe's efforts to support the mental and physical wellbeing of children, particularly those with disabilities. The pair also attend busy concerts and sporting events and travel widely, even flying to Canada together.

Chloe said: “From the first time I met Emily and got told we qualified, it was a surreal feeling as I had to learn to put all my faith in four paws. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. She has helped me through the hardest of times.”

Earlier this year, Chloe and Emily were immortalised in a giant mural in Cardiff city centre after Chloe was named Cardiff City’s Premier League Community Champion.