Indi, aged 11 ½ from Walsall, West Midlands, has been named overall Best Dog in the grand final of the Companion Dog Club competition at London’s leading dog event, Discover Dogs.
Renowned canine behaviourist, trainer and author, Carolyn Menteith, who judged the competition congratulated owner Michelle Wood and Indi at Earls Court 2 on Sunday 9th November on their achievement.
Indi was crowned overall Best Dog after winning the Best OAP category of the competition where age and charisma both come first.
Michelle said, “It’s just amazing.”
“Indi is rescue dog who no-one wanted. We first got him when he was five years old, and he came to us with many issues including separation anxiety. Now he is really such a lovely dog and he has come so far. He really shows what you can do.”
Dogs of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds joined in the fun of the competition, and were judged on their relationship with their owner, general behaviour and condition. The competition consisted of the following five categories; Most Handsome Dog, Waggiest Tail, Best OAP, Best Rescue and The Hot-Stepper.
Said Carolyn Menteith, “The Companion Dog Club shows the bond between a dog and their owner. We only need to look at the five finalists to see what this really is about.
“I was given the best job in the show, but definitely the hardest. I really struggled to chose a winner because they were all so wonderful, but congratulations to Michelle and Indi on their win.”
All competitors received goody bags, which included merchandise from Royal Canin, the Company of Animals and discounts from Overwater Hall, an English Lake District country house hotel which is proudly part of the Kennel Club’s ‘Open for Dogs’ initiative.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “The Companion Dog Club competition is always one of the fun highlights of Discover Dogs as it gives all kinds of dogs the chance to shine. I’m sure the contestants had lots of fun and we’d like to congratulate Indi on his fabulous success.”
The competition was open to all members of the Companion Dog Club. Established in 2001, the Club is a great way to become part of the world of dogs, and celebrate the joy of dog ownership with other people. It doesn’t matter if a dog is a pedigree or a crossbreed; in the Companion Dog Club, all dogs are welcome.
Joining the Companion Dog Club costs just £12 and membership includes an introduction pack with a range of goodies for both the member and their dog, and twice yearly newsletters packed with news, competitions, special offers, a gallery of canine pals and much more.
The Companion Dog Club Competition was just one of the great events that took place at Discover Dogs. The event, organised by the Kennel Club in association with Royal Canin, celebrated its 13th year of delighting dog devotees from all over the UK, with new and exciting attractions alongside a range of traditional crowd favourites.
Discover Dogs is the ideal place to learn more about the pleasures of canine companionship, and all the other benefits that owning a dog can bring. The annual event is an interactive experience dedicated to every aspect of canine care, promoting responsible dog ownership and showcasing the diversity and talents of man’s best friend.
To find out more about the Companion Dog Club please visit www.companiondogclub.org.uk, or to find out more about Discover Dogs go to www.discoverdogs.org.uk.
