Joy for mother as rescue dog booked to show at Crufts
Just seven weeks ago she was an anxious, nameless stray languishing in a rescue centre – now Orla is preparing to participate at the world’s largest dog show.
The 10-year-old crossbreed – whose name means golden princess – faced the threat of being put down after raising little interest in a rescue centre in Liverpool, having been found wandering the streets.
But after coming into the care of Woodside Dogs Home in Sussex, she caught the eye of professional dog trainer Laura Carter whose beloved dalmatian Perdy had recently passed away.
The mum, from Cranbrook, said: “She was so stressed in kennels and needed to get out of that environment. The first night she was hard to watch. She was like a wild zoo animal aimlessly pacing a track round a tiny cage.”
Treating her like a new puppy, Ms Carter started taking her out to get used to new experiences, bringing her to dog training classes and demonstrating to the other students.
Quick to learn, Orla’s confidence began to grow, and when an appeal popped up on Facebook for dogs to take part in The Kennel Club’s bronze Good Citizen display at Crufts, Ms Carter put her forward and was accepted.
The Kennel Club’s Good Citizen scheme is a nationwide training program designed to promote responsible dog ownership.
Exercises include walking nicely on a lead, coming when called, walking through a doorway under control and a oneminute stay.
A dog and handler have to pass an assessment before moving up to the silver and gold levels.
Ms Carter, who runs classes at Little Dale Dogs in Cranbrook Road, Hawkhurst, added: “I applied but expected them to get hundreds of applicants.
“I couldn’t believe it when they confirmed she was going.
“She picks up the training exercises easily but I have had to put lots of work into preparing her for the large, busy environment that is Crufts.
“We have been out and about visiting lots of dog-friendly local businesses, open dog shows and new environments.
“She has practised the exercises she will have to perform next to the rabbits in pets at home, by the ducks at the front of Bodium Castle and outside my children’s school.”
Crufts runs in Birmingham from Thursday to Sunday, March 9 to 12.
‘The first night she was hard to watch. She was like a wild zoo animal aimlessly pacing a track round a tiny cage’