MEET Patricia, an awarding winning pooch who took a top honour at this year’s Crufts.
Patricia is owned by Andrew Whitfield-Roberts from St Helens, who is the head veterinary nurse at White Cross Vets in St Helens.
He said: “I’m from a dog showing family and have been showing for 18 years. I’ve shown at Crufts 10 times and have been lucky to win various classes before.
“This year was particularly special though as Patricia won the ‘limit class’ in the long-haired dachshund category.
“At just 19 months old, she was one of the youngest in her class of 13 competitors, but she took the whole thing in her stride. I was so proud of her.”
Andrew attended Crufts for two days with his uncle, whose dog also won ‘best of breed’ in the in the standard dachshund category with Patricia’s dad.
Andrew added: “We spent one day showing and one day shopping. Patricia loves to shop, and I bought her a gorgeous sleeping bag and a very sparkly diamond collar, so she was well chuffed!
“Crufts really is the most wonderful experience, and this year it was even more special because Patricia and I were featured on TV. I was interviewed by Sophie Morgan for Channel 4, which was nerve-wracking for me, but again Patricia just took it all in her stride!
“Patricia is such a happy go lucky dog and was excited to make so many new friends at Crufts.
“She’s very sociable and often comes into the practice with me on Millfield Road in Eccleston.
“Everyone at White Cross Vets has been very supportive of her success and she has had a few extra treats.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here