WANDSWORTH: Orlando Bloom joins well-dressed hounds for reunion

9:15am Monday 22nd September 2008

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Pampered pooches in fancy dress mixed with Hollywood stars in Battersea Park to celebrate Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s 14th Annual Reunion.

Superstar, Orlando Bloom, made an appearance, as well as other stars of stage and screen to help raise money for the home.

The reunion is a chance for pet owners to come face to face with those who have helped find and look after their lost pets.

And, as ever, there was fierce canine competition in the many events staged.

In the doggie fancy dress competition Molly, a rather lovely Mongrel. stole the show, winning first prize with her Cavalier costume.

Pip the dog secured his place as runner-up with his wonderful impersonation of a bumblebee with his owner Doreen Bush who dressed up as a flower.

And after a hard day’s competition the dogs were treated to a tea party, complete with “doggie cake”.

Actress Stella Gonet and husband Nicholas Farrell turned up to help with the fundraising effort.

Stella said: “Dogs have always been a big part of my life. We have come to rehome a dog because we are keen to offer a new start to a dog who has, for whatever reason, lost its home.”

There was even a kids’ theatre and children of all ages enjoyed a display by Battersea’s own Tippy Toes the dog and her handler Jackie, who did heelwork to music.

Fiona Healey-Hutchinson, director of fundraising for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, said: “We had a truly wonderful day and it was lovely to welcome back so many familiar furry faces and hear how well they are doing in their new homes. Everyone had a fantastic time and the sponsored walk proved a real success. We can’t wait until next year.”