Dog saved from death wins over judges at Scruffts at Crufts
A dog that was destined to die has been crowned Britain’s favourite crossbreed.
From being a stray on the streets of Romania, to walking its Newark owner down the aisle, five-year-old mongrel Clooney has had a colourful life — and has now become winner of Scruffts 2020.
Clooney won the hearts of the judges — comediennes Sally Phillips and Ronni Ancona — to take the title at the world’s greatest dog show in front of his emotional owners, retail assistants Stephen and Hannah Hayes.
Hannah, 25, said: “I’m completely speechless. I’m still in shock. We entered for the fun of it. We never imagined Clooney would win.”
The Romanian street dog was rescued by Romania-based Sirius Animal Rescue, which nursed him back to health, before he was transferred the UK by charity EverMore, which then offered him up for adoption on the website of Halfway Home Dog Rescue, Collingham.
Recalling the moment when they first set eyes on Clooney, Stephen, 26, said: “Hannah saw him on the website and fell in love with him instantly.
“We put a deposit down then and there but decided we wouldn’t make the final decision until I had had a chance to meet him in person.
“As soon as he saw me, he barked, and that was it. I took him home that day.”
Hannah said: “I just couldn’t resist his beautiful amber eyes and cheeky face.”
The couple adopted Clooney in January last year, and it didn’t take him long to make himself at home.
“When we brought him into our house, he ran to the sofa, gave it a sniff and made himself at home. He’s remained a couch potato ever since,” Stephen said.
In November Clooney was a ring-bearer at the couple’s wedding.
“He didn’t have the real rings,” Hannah said. “We couldn’t really trust him not to run off chasing squirrels.”
Scruffts celebrates the family pets who cannot compete in the breed categories at Crufts.
In the main categories, Elsa, a three-year-old Border Collie, and her owner, Nicci Hindson, from South Clifton, won the freestyle competition, came third in the international freestyle and sixth in heelwork to music.
Dogs and handlers qualify for Crufts by entering qualifying events held throughout the previous year.
They devised four-minute routines.
Nicci said: “I am really happy and excited about our win.
“We came second last year and I am so pleased we got even better this year and won.”
She said she would treat Elsa to a steak dinner as a reward.
Crufts show manager Vanessa McAlpine said: “Congratulations to Nicci and Elsa for their impressive routine. It was of the highest standard and demonstrated the patience, skill and dedication needed from both the dog and the handler.
“Nicci and Elsa are a great example and inspiration for any dog owners out there.”
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