FURRY friends are to take centre stage at Loch Lomond Shores as it prepares to host its Top Dogs event.

The event takes place on Saturday, October 15 and dog-loving families are invited to come and enjoy a busy day of action.

Among the events will be a companion show where owners can enter their dogs in different categories

including most handsome, prettiest bitch, best condition, puppy and veteran.

Entry is £3 and £1.50 to add another category, with all proceeds going to the Loch Lomond Rescue Boat.

The show will be judged by Deborah Flemming, an experienced judge at dog shows including Crufts.

Deborah will be assisted by Riannon Feasby and prizes are sponsored by McDug Nutrition who provide tasty, healthy and nutritious meals made with fresh ingredients for all breeds. Register after 10am to enter with the 1st class taking place at noon.

As well as the show, Lomond Flyball team will be making a return this year with fun and games for all the dogs as well as showing some demos and giving dog training tips.

We’ll also be welcoming Kirsty Coyle from Clyde Canine Massage who will be offering free muscular health checks for dogs and be available to discuss benefits of clinical canine massage. Pop by her stand for check-up and some advice.

Lastly, for all our two-legged visitors, we’ll have lots of stalls with great human and dog-friendly treats as well as street food.

Audrey Calder, of Loch Lomond Shores, said: “This event was popular last year and is great for all our regular dog-owning visitors who come for days out.

“It also emphasises our dog-friendly status, which is something that we’re proud of.”

Visit lochlomondshores.com to find out more.

Many of our stores including Sports Direct, Frasers, Catherine Kinloch and Hawkshead welcome well-behaved dogs in-store and Café Zest has a dedicated dog-friendly area within their café so visitors can enjoy time indoors as well as outdoors with their pets. Our new arrival – Jurassic Ice Bar also welcomes well-behaved dogs accompanying customers eating on their loch-view balcony on our first floor.”

For full details on what’s happening on the day, visit our website or follow us on FB, twitter or Instagram.

Top Dogs kicks off the October school break when we’ll have small children’s rides and the Loch Lomond Shores Express train running all week as well as our usual great ingredients for a fun family day out – Treezone, Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre, Loch Lomond Leisure water-sports and bike hire, adventure golf and Jurassic Ice Bar open for sweet treats. SEA LIFE will also be hosting their Ascarium event for some spooky fun.