A NIMBLE dog and his devoted owner from Long Buckby are celebrating their success at the world’s largest agility festival.
Natasha Wise and her five-year-old Cocker Spaniel Toto took first place in the Medium Championship Final at the Kennel Club International Agility Festival – qualifying the pair to compete at the world-famous dog show Crufts next March.
Natasha said: “We are over the moon to win the very sought after competition and to qualify for the crème de la crème of events, the Crufts Agility Championship.
“This was Toto’s first Championship win. He coped and shone brightly in front of the crowd at The Kennel Club International Agility Festival – and lapped up all the attention!
“Toto loves agility where he can run fast and we share this joint passion. We have a great time together.”
Natasha will now prepare for her return to Crufts, where she won agility prizes with her Border Collie Pebbles in 2019 and earlier this year.
The action-packed four-day festival, which is supported by Skinner’s, welcomed dogs of every size, shape and breed from all over the UK and abroad to Rutland Showground, to navigate the jumps, weaves and tunnels.
Ben Skinner, of Skinner’s, said: “Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and competitors of The Kennel Club International Agility Festival. It is wonderful to see everyone enjoying competing at the festival again this year – we are always proud to sponsor this incredible event.
“It is inspiring to see the dedication and skill displayed by all the competitors and their dogs. Everyone who has taken part should be very proud of their achievements in the ring.”
Vanessa McAlpine, Events Executive at The Kennel Club, said: “This year is particularly special as, while the festival went ahead last year, due to travel restrictions we were unable to host international competitors, so we are delighted the UK agility community were finally able to be reunited with their overseas friends.
“We are always impressed with the talent showcased at the International Agility Festival and this year has been no exception – congratulations to all.”
Steve Croxford, spokesperson for The Kennel Club International Agility Festival, said: “There was a wonderful atmosphere at the festival this year, and we got to see fantastic displays of agility and fun being had by all.”
Visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk/IAF for more information about The Kennel Club International Agility Festival.
