15 December 2021
Hundreds of dogs recently gathered in Nigeria's business capital of Lagos. They wore things meant for humans: colorful school clothes, sunglasses and even book bags.
The dogs were taking part in the third-ever Lagos Dog Carnival. Organizers of the event called it bigger and better than ever. This year, the carnival's theme was "back to school."
Jackie Idimogu is the organizer of the event. She said the purpose is to bring together dog owners to celebrate their dogs and learn from each other how to take better care of them.
Dogs attend the opening session of the 3rd edition of Lagos Dog Carnival, in Nigeria December 11, 2021. . (REUTERS/Seun Sanni)
"This edition is bigger and better than the previous editions and interestingly, the number of dogs that we have this year is over 250, which is double what we recorded last year," Idimogu told Reuters.
At the event, the awards on offer included "head boy" for cleanest school uniform, "punctuality prefect" and "most noisemaker." Being punctual means arriving on time.
Canada, a white-haired golden retriever, was named head boy. He wore a bright green uniform with stripes and a school bag. Ivory, a bulldog, walked away with the punctuality award for arriving first at the carnival. For barking throughout the event, a golden retriever named Oscar took the noisemaker award.
There was even a special appearance by a cat. The animal received an attendance award.
Idimogu said the event has "helped raise awareness on keeping dogs as pets. She said there are plans to take the event to other cities across Nigeria in the future.
I'm Ashley Thompson.
Reuters news agency reported this story. Ashley Thompson adapted it for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor.
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Words in This Story
bag - n. a container made of thin material (such as paper, plastic, or cloth) that opens at the top and is used for holding or carrying things
theme - n. the particular subject or idea on which the style of something (such as a party or room) is based
edition - n. a particular version of a product
prefect - n. an older student who is given the job of helping to watch and control younger students in a school
bark - v. (of a dog) to make a short loud sound
awareness - n. the idea of knowing that something (such as a situation, condition or problem) exists.
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