Fred’s top dog in our pet idol contest
MEET the cute Cardiff puppy who was bought as a Father’s Day surprise – and has now been crowned South Wales’ very own Pet Idol.
Six-month old Fred the basset hound has beaten all-comers from across the region to scoop this year’s title.
His win in the Echo’s ever-popular Pet Idol contest means he’s won a year’s supply of pet food courtesy of Heath Vets in Cardiff.
For owner Wyndham Bartlett, 63, the win is a dream come true after he was surprised on Father’s Day by his son, Christopher.
Wyndham, of Pant Glas, Pentwyn, said: “I have wanted this dog for so many years, I’ve had dogs in the past but obviously at my age it isn’t easy.
“Since we have owned Fred, it has really changed my life.
“He never leaves my side and I never leave his!
“My legs are quite bad so taking him out in the garden is really helpful for me.”
The retired groundsman says he was delighted when his son came home with the basset hound after work one day.
He added: “I was very surprised to be honest, my son said he was going to work but arrived back with a dog I have always dreamed of.
“At the time I was in shock and didn’t know what to say, but I am delighted.
“It really has changed my life and I now have something to do.”
Christopher told his dad he was going to work one day when he had arranged to pick up Fred.
The 30-year-old, who works as a car breaker, said months of searching had finally paid off.
“I was looking across different websites and social media for months, so when I finally saw the advert I went to the other side of Wales to pick it up.
“I told my father I was going to work and when I arrived home, he was in shock. It was a surprise and he was speechless.
“Having Fred has changed my dad’s life immensely. He has bad legs so taking the dog in the garden really helps him and allows him to get out and about.”
Fred beat more than 800 pets – including hundreds of other dogs, cats, and even the odd sheep, snake and chicken – to be crowned this year’s champion.
Readers were asked to submit the cutest picture of their pet, with all entries being featured in a 24-page picture special Pet Idol supplement in the Echo.
From there, people were asked to vote for their favourite pet.
Wyndham says he was thrilled to hear Fred had won, after his son had sent in the nomination.
“I’m absolutely delighted,” he said. “I didn’t think anything would come of it when my son told me about the nomination, but I’m so happy.
“I’m lost for words but all I can say is that I’m delighted!”
Jess Ellis, of Heath Vets, said: “Heath Vets would like to offer their huge congratulations to the winner. We have supported this competition for a few years now and always look forward to seeing who the lucky winner will be.”