On Thursday the 23rd October, Bruce, a two and a half year old black Labrador cross from the Island charity Friends of the Animals, will be travelling to Westminster with the Island’s MP, Andrew Turner, to take part in the Westminster Dog of the Year competition.
The competition, jointly run by dogs Trust and the Kennel Club, aims to showcase the dog as an important member of the family. This year’s competition includes a ‘Winner of the Paw-blic vote’ category, where people are invited to vote for the best four legged friend online. You can vote for Bruce to win by clicking the following link. Vote for Bruce
Mr Turner said:
“Although I share my life with Pickle, a staffie cross from Godshill RSPCA, I wanted to highlight the ever-present need for new homes for rescue dogs so I asked Helen Sinclair of Friends of The Animals if they had a dog I could ‘borrow’ for the day.
“During the competition the dogs and MPs are put through an assault and agility course and they are judged for this as well as for their behaviour, condition and overall appeal. Bruce is a very handsome and friendly dog who spends a lot of his time helping to raise money for the charity so I’m hoping he will carry me through. He is also very cute and as well as sitting on his haunches with front paws held up, he can balance a biscuit on his nose and catch it. We’re hoping that will appeal to the judges”.
“Two years ago I entered with another Island RSPCA dog, Buster, a boisterous but friendly staffie, sadly he missed out on winning by a whisker, but he was a worthy runner-up and got a great new home in the process. I’m hoping that Bruce will knock the socks off the competition and we will come home victorious. Even if that doesn’t happen I hope that people will think about giving him or another dog a good and loving home. They certainly deserve it.”
Helen Sinclair, who this year was awarded an MBE for her services to animal welfare said:
“Bruce who lives in Sandown, hopes his glossy coat, happy disposition, clever tricks, gentle nature and charity work will sway the judges into choosing him to bring the accolade to the Island. I hope Islanders will vote for him in droves and we wish him and Andrew luck.”
Article continues below this advertisement
