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Taiwan’s largest pet show is kicking off in Taipei. The show features a dog fur coloring competition, doggie yoga lessons, and–if that’s not enough–dog wedding services. Hundreds of pet owners accompanied their furry friends to the opening of Taiwan’s largest annual pet show. More than 100 vendors showcased the latest and the trendiest pet products, including food, dog houses, clothing, toys and accessories, hoping to capitalize on Taiwan’s booming pet industry. At the corner of the exhibition hall, dogs were being groomed for the best coloring design competition. This woman brought her pet Lucy to the competition. [Liu Min, Dog Owner]: “She was a breeding dog, and she has always been trapped inside the breeding farm, like a bird in a cage. But now she’s gained her freedom, so I want to show her as a colorful free bird.” One grooming competition judge says fur coloring only started in recent years. Lee Kuan-chih, Grooming Competition Judge]: “About five years ago, a small group started with fur dying, which was non-existent ten years ago. Taiwan’s older generation thinks this is strange, but the younger generation likes to stand out and be different. People need new looks and so do dogs, especially matching looks for a dog and its owner. It’s an important mode of expression.” The grooming process provides a relaxing experience for dogs—but perhaps even more relaxing is doggie yoga. [Yang Ling-chen, Yoga Teacher]: “When this dog first came to us, he was more easily …
