Not just for Show: The MKA dog show

It was a day unlike any ordinary Sundays -Daschund, Retrievers, Labrador, Rottweiler, and even the lion-like “chow chow” were all lined up for a showcase event.

June 7 2009, The MKA International dog show held at the Centre Atrium at 1Borneo instantly lured regulars to its rarity and leaving them grappled at the “kawaii” factor the dogs' possessed.

But before all that, the "foreign dog breeds" market in Sabah has a long history of acceptance but although it is in tandem with the state’s modern status. Once touted as an “exclusive” hobby, dogs of pure breeds are not just merely a status-parade but also being sought for specific purposes.

While, public eyes pride on the papers of the heroic deeds of selected breeds_like Rottweilers Dobermans and German Shepard; since all three are legendary in narcotics and the fight in pirated goods.

There is another realm of that caters enthusiasts apart from just functionalities,companion-ship. With stores ranging from selling all breeds to grooming to nurseries mushroomed all in the name of demand, fueled by the fancies of enthusiasts of all ages who prefers to pride their “prized” pets, the companion functionality certainly a lucrative indulgence that is both enjoyed by business and dog owners.

But regardless of the commercial sense, dogs of all breed are still worthy of worship for their intelligence, characters and soft majestic coats.

It’s inevitable that the collision relationships between man and dog could be re-defined on a whole new level; the result_ the Malaysian Kennel Association International Dog Show.

And for Ben Hsu creating awareness is being a part of its importance.

"And having events such as a dog show could serve as platform to educate the public.” he justified.

A dog trainer for 16 years, Ben Hsu who is also the MKA director was more than just experimental on show events.

Having successfully completed the Borneo International Cat Show in 2008 and now MKA international Dog Show, he safely passed as a pioneer and champion to domestic animals.

But in general he still believes that society still has misconceptions about dogs.

“You should see the number of stray dogs 10 years ago,” he said jokingly.

“So the best thing that we could do is to create that awareness and to educate the public,” he said.

As they were cases on animal cruelties like the Pulau Ketam episode, dogs in general are still viewed as an inferior life form.

Although the tragedy remained elusive as to avoid being the subject of exploits, dog shows could provide the alternative channel for organisations to have a say and to educate.

And for the SPCA KK, having set up a booth had used the right opportunity in meeting, re-inforcing and sought aid.

On the contrary, there is a need to have deeper understanding and cooperation towards giving the animals’ justice.

Ben urges that future and current dog owners need to have a uniformed mindset as to treat their pets “it’s like adding a new member into the family”.

"As far commercialism concern, future dog owner must do research as to avoid regret and neglect,” he added.

But for all that's worth-that one day at 1Borneo and the 7th International Dog Show or the 277 MKA Dog Show was an event to celebrate all breeds.

And for it to be graced by honoured guests like Datuk Peter Pang Eng Yin, Datuk Henry Hing of Angkatan Hebat and the Chairman of the 1Borneo Hyper mall, Datuk Raymond Chan was "sign enough" that tributes like this are clearly positive and had been long overdued.

To all dogs; including strays.