Mid Devon women and pets star at Crufts (From This is The West Country)

Mid Devon women and pets star at Crufts

7:00am Sunday 17th March 2013 in Devon By Mid Devon Star Reporter

TWO dog owners were jumping for joy when they scooped top prizes with their canines at the world-famous Crufts event.

Lawyer Sally Ellison, from Tiverton, and Blondie, a three-and-a-half-year-old Cocker Spaniel, proved every dog does have its day when they fought off competition from a number of other dogs to claim the prestigious Best of Breed award.

Cullompton teenager Naarah Cuddy with Sassy, a two-year-old Border Collie, also walked away with the Under-18 Jumping award.

Sally was left beaming with pride after picking up the coveted prize.

She said: “Blondie has done exceptionally well, I am very proud of her and it is a really great feeling to win Best of Breed this year.

“I enjoy Crufts, it is always a great show and I like to come as a spectator even if I am not competing, but it is even better to come and win and I am really pleased.”

More than 25,000 dogs were battling it out to impress judges in a variety of competitions at Birmingham's NEC Arena.

Bicton College pupil Naarah, who has just turned 18, said it felt amazing to win.

She added: “It is weird to have won, because there are all these other dogs here.

“I did not realise I had gone as fast as I did. I did start getting a bit nervous about five minutes before the start but once I went in I was fine.

“I love the atmosphere here at Crufts. It feels like a proper final and I feel very lucky to have won.

“I don't know what I would do without Sassy. She is my best friend. “We have 14 other dogs at home, who are working dogs, but Sassy is mine and I love her to bits.”