Top Dogs

First place for team at festival

Ateam of four dogs and their owners are celebrating their success at the worldrenowned Kennel Club International Agility Festival.

Small Connections from Staffordshire, took first place in the Small Kennel Club Team Final recently.

The winning team members and reserves were: Tricia Robarts and her four-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Vinnie from Stafford; Anna Fox and her nine-year-old German Spitz, Klein from Newcastle-under-Lyme; Carole Stone and her seven-year-old Cocker Spaniel / Bichon Frise cross, Ringo from Stone; Lou Carmen and her sixyear-old Border Terrier / Jack Russell cross, Daisy from Winsford; Julie Bull and her eight-year-old Terrier cross, Bonnie (reserve) from Stone; and Amanda Hampson (reserve handler) from Newcastle-under-Lyme. 68-year-old Tricia Robarts, team captain, who has been competing in agility for 25 years, said of their achievement: “I am so proud of the team. We have been together for a few years now and have managed to qualify for Crufts twice.

“We have great reserves too who turn up even if they do not get to run.”

The action-packed four-day festival welcomed dogs of every size, shape and breed. Skilled competitors from all over the UK and abroad entered the rings to navigate the jumps, weaves and tunnels.

Vanessa McAlpine, Events Executive at The Kennel Club, said: “It is so wonderful to be back at Rutland Showground to welcome many skilled dogs and their handlers who are competing at The Kennel Club International Agility Festival.

“This year is particularly special as, while the festival went ahead last year, due to travel restrictions we were unable to host international competitors, so we are delighted the UK agility community were finally able to be reunited with their overseas friends. We are always impressed with the talent showcased at the International Agility Festival and this year has been no exception – congratulations to all!”

Steve Croxford, spokesperson for The Kennel Club International Agility Festival, said: “There was a wonderful atmosphere at the festival this year, and we got to see fantastic displays of agility and fun being had by all. As the weather was warm, we put in place numerous measures to help ensure the safety of all involved with the festival, where the welfare of dogs is absolutely paramount.

“Classes were ran with early start and finishing times, to avoid peak temperatures and when dogs weren’t taking part in their short agility runs, provisions were in place to help owners keep dogs cool, like extra shade for cooling, fresh running water, and cold pools at each ring.

“A vet was on site at all times and competitors, who come well prepared, were reminded throughout the event about how to keep their dogs cool and safe.”

For more information about The Kennel Club International Agility Festival and results from the event, please visit thekennelclub.org.uk/IAF.