Crufts 2016: Legends on four furry legs
If famous author Jilly Cooper ever needs inspiration for her books she is bound to hear some extraordinary stories when she enters the Crufts show arena this week.
Crufts 2016
The writer and confirmed dog lover will be judging the winner of this year’s Scruffts, the ever-popular competition for cherished pets whose lives read like works of fiction. Scruffts has it all.
Handsome heroes and pretty heroines. Good Samaritans and down-at-heel characters that make good. There is even a tale of a golden oldie and an inspirational character who won a child’s heart.
The final of the Scruffts Family Crossbreed of the year, run by the Kennel Club and sponsored by James Wellbeloved, is being held at the NEC Birmingham on Saturday, March 12.
Now in its 16th year, Scruffts is the day when the world’s greatest dog show turns the spotlight from pedigrees to crossbreeds.
Deciding who is deserving of one of the canine world’s most celebrated titles will certainly be a tough challenge for Ms Cooper, this year’s celebrity judge, as you will see from each of the six finalist’s accounts.
Here are their bestselling stories.
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Roxy and Olivia Lawrence
Roxy and Olivia Lawrence
Child’s Best Friend
Fourteen-year-old Olivia Lawrence tragically lost her mother, grandmother and best friend over the course of two years, leading to her becoming depressed, anxious and withdrawn.
Olivia’s aunt introduced her to eight-week-old Jack Russell terrier and dachshund cross Roxy and the puppy’s calm character soon changed the teenager’s outlook on life as they played together.
Last year Olivia became a member of the Young Kennel Club and decided to take Roxy to dog shows, which they both love.
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Icey and Val Philips
Icey and Val Philips
Golden Oldie
After growing up on the streets of Romania, Icey was found nearly frozen to death in a public shelter three years ago.
The collie corgi cross weighed only 15lb, had no teeth or tail, split ears and was on the brink of death. Val Philips, who runs a border collie rescue centre in Surrey, was sent his picture in December 2013 and knew she had to do something to rescue him.
Since being brought to the UK, Val has seen Icey make a full recovery and is now a happy, healthy dog.
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Bella and Helen Lewis
Bella and Helen Lewis
Best Rescue
Helen Lewis wasn’t looking for another pet after experiencing intense heartbreak when she lost her dog Mandy to cancer but then Bella the stray came into her life. Bella had been treated badly.
She was covered in injuries and been starved close to death. Bella also needed a great deal of training because she was experiencing social and behavioural issues.
With a large amount of love, dedication and training she has become an extremely well behaved dog and Helen’s best friend.
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Hugo and Karen Kalaway
Hugo and Karen Kalaway
Most Handsome Dog
As soon as Karen saw Hugo’s face and the cute spot on top of his head, she fell in love.
He was still only a puppy with his litter but she visited him every day, knowing she couldn’t possibly live without him.
Since being introduced, Karen has helped care and train him which slowly changed her outlook on life.
Hugo gave Karen a reason to be happy and his kindness and gentleness has uplifted and enriched her life.
Hugo always joins her on her business trips abroad and the pair enjoy going out for hacks together as he loves to race alongside Karen and her horses.
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Fergus and Kathryn Hoffman
Fergus and Kathryn Hoffman
Good Citizen Dog Scheme
When Kathryn Hoffman first met Fergus she knew he was special.
By the time he was 16 months old he had achieved his Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme gold award and has now gone on to become a registered Pet As Therapy dog, regularly visiting elderly patients in his local day centre and hospital.
In his spare time Fergus takes part in canine scent work activities and has completed two CSI courses where he was trained to detect body and explosive scents.
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Beau and Diane Taylor
Beau and Diane Taylor
Prettiest Bitch
At eight weeks old Beau came home to join Diane’s growing family.
Beau loves to be centre of attention and her gentle nature and loving attitude warms the hearts of everyone she meets.
She currently competes in dog agility and has performed on stage in shows such as Beauty And The Beast.
Beau even loves to skateboard in her spare time.