2021 Newark Advertiser Pet of the Year: A dog, a cat and a hedgehog win awards

The votes have been counted and we can now reveal the winners of the 2021 Advertiser Pet of the Year competition.

A dog, a cat and a hedgehog gained the most votes in this year’s contest.

Dozens of entries were received in the categories of best dog or puppy, best cat or kitten, best other pet, and cutest pet.

Bowtie-wearing Brian, a saluki dog, won the cutest pet and best dog titles by a resounding vote.

His owners, Layla, 7, and Blossom Birkin, 1, from Balderton, couldn’t contain their excitement when they found out he had won.

Brian’s family said: “Everybody loves Brian. No matter where you go, there is more people that know him than us.”

Brian was presented with a rosette for each of his winning categories and an assortment of toys and treats, provided by Pets At Home.

Storm, a grey cat, was the winner of the best cat category for 2021.

Her owner, Hannah Cull, from Balderton, said she was in total shock when she found out that Storm had won.

Hannah rescued Storm, who is just over a year old, from a farm just five weeks after she was born.

“I entered her because I think she’s beautiful,” said Hannah.

Storm was also presented with a bag of goodies, including a rosette, various toys and cat treats.

Four-and-a-half-year-old Sonic the hedgehog won the final category ­— best other pet.

Sonic, who came second in the Advertiser Pet Of The Year competition in 2018, is owned by Adam and Dana Renwick, also of Balderton.

Dana said that she was surprised by Sonic’s win, because there were lots of other cute pets for voters to choose from.

Brian and Storm were given their prizes at long-time competition sponsor Companion Veterinary Clinic on Bullpit Road, Balderton.

Paul Dowie, veterinary surgeon, said: “Brian is a really beautiful dog. He looks really well cared for.

“Storm is also a very gentle cat.”