Boris, The Original 'Best In Show' Has Died
The popular pet was the first winner of the Chiswick Dog Show
Boris, a Gordon Setter owned by Kitty & Freddy Liebreich from Ealing, and the winner of the first ever Chiswick Dog Show, passed away this week.
The first show was held in September 2005 and Boris was awarded the title of Best In Show.
His owners described him as a very strong personality. "He knew all the neighbours and they knew him, he greeted them all even if they didn't like dogs, the kids all loved him even if they were a bit afraid of him because he was so big."
Nearly 100 pets entered what was then known as the Lilly Dog Show, named in honour of one of the canine companions who roamed the grounds two centuries ago.
At the end of the show, a procession of dogs stood guard while a wreath of lilies was placed next to a monument to Lilly in the grounds. This was recorded by the now defunct Brentford & Isleworth times, (30 Sept 2005)
The procession was abandoned in later years, along with the name Lilly and now there are many hundreds of entrants for what is now the Chiswick House Dog Show, held on the cricket pitch every September.
It has become one of the most popular events in the community and is attended by everyone from local celebrities to little children putting their pets through their paces.
The monument to the faithful canine companions of the past is now within the railing of the Amphitheatre.
The next show organised by CHOW in Association with Chiswick House Friends is on Sunday 27 September 2015.
This year the Chiswick House Dog Show coincides with the staging of the 2015 Rugby World Cup in West London. In honour of this and embracing the excitement surrounding the event, the organisers are looking for photographs of dogs dressed in their best rugby finery to represent the 20 nations taking part.
Simply take a photo of your dog in national colours (e.g. a Scottish Terrier for Scotland,) and send to thechowgroup@yahoo.co.uk or via www.chiswickhousedogshow.org.uk
July 15, 2015
