PET LOVERS and their four-legged friends will be leading the way at a Weymouth dog show.

The Retired Greyhound Trust are hoping pets will mean prizes at the show at Furzedown Stables in Lynch Lane, Weymouth, on Sunday, August 28.

The event is open to all breeds of dogs. Among the competitors in the show will be Honey and Rebel, two greyhounds who have changed the lives of a Weymouth family.

Chantel Summerhayes wasn't keen to give the dogs a home after visiting kennels with her two children.

She said: "My kids were hassling me for a dog and I wouldn't allow it because I'm allergic to them. I took the boys along to a kennel because I hoped seeing the dogs would settle their want for a pet of their own."

But visiting the kennel had the opposite effect on Kameron, eight, and Frazier, 13, and on their mum.

She said: "I got there and I was just smitten - they were all so gorgeous."

The family returned to their Dorchester Road home with a greyhound called Honey.

Ms Summerhayes said: "She used to be a bit yappy around other dogs. We soon realised it was a play thing rather than a show of aggression. So we entered a dog show so that Honey could socialise with other dogs."

The strategy worked and Ms Summerhayes has since placed Honey and her new dog, named Rebel, in more shows. Ms Summerhayes claims the dog shows have not only helped Honey and Rebel, but have helped Kameron and Frazier too.

She said: "The kids really enjoy taking the dogs into shows. It doesn't have to be first place, they're just really chuffed when they get a rosette."

Rebel has won first prizes in the 'best hound' category and Honey has taken first place for 'best condition' and 'dog judges would most like to take home'.

On Sunday Frazier is hoping to win the 'most like owner' title. Chantel said: "They're both lazy and very lively!"

The show starts at 11am.