The rescue charity, along with Video Network, ran the competition to find Port Macquarie’s most perfect pet, and it will become an annual event.  All people had to do was submit a one-minute video of their dog, cat, horse, rabbit, fish or reptile.

Organiser and animal-lover, Maryanne Brilley from Video Network said they wanted to do something fun for pet-owners, and raise awareness about the plight of rescue dogs in our region.

“Midcoast Dog Rescue do a really fantastic job re-homing and looking after dogs in the area, and unfortunately there are not unlimited resources to help, especially at this time of year, so we wanted to do something to help,” she said.

“There are over 9,000 rescue dogs in New South Wales waiting for someone to give them love.”

It cost just $5 to enter the contest, and all the proceeds went straight to the Midcoast Dog Rescue. Nigel Bird from the charity said it will soon be the worst time of the year for dogs being discarded, and warned people to really think about getting a pet.

“We rescue dogs from people who are going into nursing homes, families where someone has passed away and people who are renting their homes and can’t take their animals with them.  We have a website, Midcoast Dog Rescue and a Facebook page, if people want to contact us,” he said.

“We have found good, loving secure homes for some of the dogs we foster, and people can support us by becoming foster carers – we supply food and bedding, and we pay vet expenses,” said Mr Bird.

One of those at the pet pageant was nine-year-old Mitzy, a Maltese cross chihuahua.  Her owner, Michelle Lawrence, who’s an artist, bought her nine years ago from a pet shop in Wauchope.

“She’s the best.  She will sleep on my bed all night and she does tricks,” said Michelle who is an artist and photographer in Port Macquarie.

The winner of the competition to find Port’s perfect pet was Buffy the bunny rabbit, whose owners scooped the $200 first prize.  Better get videoing for next year’s event!