MSPs put paw-litics aside in battle for Holyrood Dog of the Year crown
Jamie wants to prove beloved Astro is ulti-mutt pooch
A string of politicians will team up with their fourlegged friends in a bid to clinch a coveted title.
MSP Jamie Greene is among those vying to lift the Holyrood Dog of the Year 2022 gong with his rescued Romanian street pooch.
The West Scotland Conservative politician will be joined by his oneyear-old mixed breed rescue dog Astro, as he competes against other MSPs and their loyal pet dogs in the event.
It marks the return of the Holyrood Dog of the Year contest following a three-year hiatus.
Dogs of all shapes and sizes, regardless of breed or ‘pawlitical’ persuasion, will be help their MSP owners to strut their stuff as they head to the Scottish Parliament gardens at Edinburgh’s Horse Wynd, to see who will be crowned top dog.
Organised by the Kennel Club in conjunction with charity Dogs Trust, the event offers the unique chance for Jamie to show off his l canine companion, Astro.
With the pandemic also sparking a boom in dog ownership, this year’s event focuses on promoting responsible dog ownership and ensuring that, alongside the joys of having a dog, owners recognise the responsibility they have to ensure that their pet is a positive member of the community and is able to live a happy and healthy life.
The competition is aimed at encouraging open dialogue on dog welfare issues, as well as providing an opportunity for MSPs to meet with experts to discuss all aspects of the canine world.
Proud MSP owner Jamie, said: “Astro arrived into the UK in the back of a bus, having been born in Romania on the streets, where he most likely would have succumbed to starvation, accident, or worse.
“I feel privileged to be his human, he is my world.
“He is always there for me, he listens to me, humours me and comforts me.
MSPs will also be calling for their supporters to vote for them, in a bid to win the public vote and lift the crown.
Judging on the day will review the contestants’ good dog deeds and winning personalities to help determine which political pooch will take home the ultimate parliamentary privilege of the ‘Holyrood Dog of the Year 2022’ title.
The competition gets under way on Monday, May 9.
To vote for Jamie and Astro, and to find out details of all the MSPs and dogs entered for Holyrood Dog of the Year, visit thekennelclub.org. uk/hdoty
Astro arrived into the UK in the back of a bus, having been born in Romania on the streets