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Border Collies triumph at Westminster Dog of the Year

Issue: 14/09/2018

140918-wdoty

A pair of Border Collies called Boomer and Corona triumphed in this year's Westminster Dog of the Year.

The dogs are owned by Alex Norris, Labour MP for Nottingham North. In second place was a Welsh Springer Spaniel called Scarlet owned by Conservative MP for Sutton Coldfield, Andrew Mitchell. Cheryl Gillan, Conservative MP for Chesham and Amersham came third with her Dachshund called Gooseberry.

It was the 26th time that this dog show, organised by Dog's Trust and The Kennel Club has taken place and this year there were 11 entrants all vying for the title of Westminster Dog of the Year.
Winning MP Alex Norris said, 'I am delighted to have won Westminster Dog of the Year with my terrific double act of Boomer and Corona. They've had such a fantastic day, meeting all the other 'paw-litical' candidates and I was never in any doubt that they would wag their way to victory. I am very proud that they've has been part of an event that promotes responsible dog ownership.'
He tweeted, 'So, so proud of my terrific dogs! Great event - fun but raising awareness of important issues. Thanks to @TheKennelClubUK and @DogsTrust for having us!'

The judging panel was Bill Lambert, Senior health and welfare manager at the Kennel Club, Graeme Robertson, Dogs Trust Chairman and Tracy Brabin MP, 2017 winner.

Mr Robertson said, 'We are thrilled with the number of MPs and commendable canines who competed for the title of Westminster Dog of the Year 2018. It's always wonderful to see the bond between dogs and their owners and Boomer, Corona and Alex really stood out for this very reason, not to mention their 'paw-litical' prowess. I would like to thank the MPs and their devoted dogs for taking part.'

Bill Lambert from the Kennel Club added, 'It was wonderful to meet Boomer, Corona and Alex in Victoria Tower Gardens today, and having deliberated over so many fantastic dogs, we decided that both Boomer and Corona truly deserve the title of Westminster Dog of the Year 2018. It was a difficult decision but their bond was undeniable. Huge congratulations to the pair for winning such a prestigious title.'

This year the event focused on the effect that fireworks have on dogs and Mr Norris said, 'Corona is a real worrier. We've tried calming supplements and special jackets but the only thing that works is to drive him around in the car. It's unfair and horrible to see him suffer.

'We've booked a cottage in the middle of nowhere for Bonfire Night this year for us to hideaway. But that won't help us in the run up to that night.'

There was also a public vote and the dog that got the most votes was a Cockerpoo called Corbyn. The seven-month-old dog is owned by Labour MP for Weaver Vale, Mike Amesbury.
He explained, 'During the election campaign my wife promised my son if I won the seat we would buy a puppy. I don't think she thought we were going to win.'
It was the son that came up with the name but the dog has not yet met the Labour leader in the flesh, although they have spoken by video phone.


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