Mrs Brenner, I suppose it is a relief for you, not only because the show is over now, but also because it has been successful. Please share your feelings with us.

It is a very pleasurable feeling to know years of concentrated and dedicated work turning out to a very positive result. We are very happy that the WDS 2012 was a successful event.

The show was very good, but nothing is perfect. What should you have changed if you knew then what you know now?

From today’s point of view there are some topics we could have solved in a different way. For example, earlier entrance time, but this was a problem with the trade stand holders, because there wouldn’t have been staff that early in the morning. Also the pre-judging ring was not perfect, especially in matters of light intensity.

One of the big problems was caused by the traffic. I have been told that the ÖKV warned the government. Is that so? And what was the answer?

For the last 5 years we have tried to make Salzburg’s responsible operatives aware of the approaching traffic problem. We suppose they did not realise the very special dynamics of a world dog show (people have to be in time - according to the time their breed is going to be judged).

What were the plus points of Salzburg compared with Vienna? Can you compare in a few words?

Salzburg possesses a unique geographical position in the very heart of Europe. The exhibition ground connected with the motorway directly (special exit!)
When getting to Vienna’s exhibition ground it is inevitable come across the whole city.

What problems had you feared most?

Traffic- this was a kind of shared silent nightmare.

What turned out into an unexpected positive result?

Despite heavy traffic problems people really turned out being very disciplined and stable.

I suppose you received reactions from the FCI General Committee. Do you want to share the most important ones with us?

We are very proud that FCI president Hans Müller and FCI observer for WDS 2012 Bernhard Meyer complimented the Austrian Kennel Klub on this show.

Frau Brenner, thank you very much for sharing your comments and your time for this interview.

© Karl DONVIL

Frau Brenner

Dr. Wolf, you biggest fear was that there would be many casualties amongst the dogs due to the sudden hot weather. How many did we have as far as you know?

Unfortunately, there was one dead dog; not on the exhibition ground. We tried to do our utmost to avoid any casualties onsite, which we actually managed, but there was no way to find dogs left in the car somewhere in the nearby area. This was really frustrating and distressing for all of us.

Of course you have no total control of such situations. Can you tell us what you did in order to prevent massive problems?

There were numerous guards in charge of dogs left in the cars or under risky situations (like crates left outside the hall in the glare of the sun). Volunteers did their patrols with cups filled with water, multilingual announcements were made every half an hour on the show ground, posters were attached in order to inform that it is forbidden to leave a dog in a closed car, - we even gave information on local radio programmes.

The public opinion in Austria is rather reserved with regard to dog shows. You tried really hard to bring this show positively in the spotlights. How much damage have these casualties caused?

Well public opinion depends very much on local press. We had a tremendous lot of journalists on the show, all of them had the chance to see our endeavour and most of them realised and also wrote that this one tragic casualty was inevitable for the organiser. We immediately issued a press release talking about the incident and informing about the deadly risk again.

Was the coverage in the national press as you had expected?

We are really overwhelmed with the positive overall coverage. There was hardly any way avoiding WDS 2012 in Austria. Numerous TV stations, radio stations newspapers, also covered the show.

Did Mrs Fiona Swarowski’s appearance on the show result in positive return in the media?

Yes it did. Mrs Swarovski’s presence in Austrian public is a very rare gift. She loves animals and especially dogs from the bottom of her heart. Therefore we were delighted to have her on the show- as honoured guest as well as the patron of an animal charity event in Vienna this autumn.

And how was her reaction on the show?

First of all she was overwhelmed because of the number of dogs present. She was very interested and well informed in several canine matters- her major interest laid in the dog’s well- being and health during the show- especially because of the high temperature outside.

What has pleased you most?

I think the show was very unstressed and friendly. It is not to be taken for granted that 19,000 dogs and 21,000 visitors interact that way and a lot of journalists told me they loved the relaxed atmosphere.

I suppose you received reactions from the FCI General Committee. Do you want to share the most important ones with us?

I was very impressed to hear that the committee liked the show. I found President Hans Müller’s speech in the main ring on Sunday very moving- it was an extraordinary show and his words of appreciation emotionally moved me definitely.

Dr. Wolf, thank you very much for sharing your comments in this interview.

© Karl DONVIL

Dr.Katja Wolf

Interviews by Karl DONVIL