Posted on 13th Mar
A Newark dog and her owner claimed a double success at the world famous Crufts show.
Elsa, a five-year-old Border Collie, and her owner, Nicci Hindson, won the Heelwork to Music and Heelwork to Music Freestyle finals.
All advanced level dogs and handlers can qualify for Crufts by entering one or more of a series of qualifying events held throughout the year.
The participants devised routines of up to four minutes, set to music, and performed them with their dog in the Resorts World Arena at the NEC, Birmingham.
Nicci said: “I am a bit shocked because I really didn’t expect to win the heelwork. We have now won the double!
“Dogs who have won the double in these events go down in history because not many dogs have achieved this. It is a very nice club to be in.
“To win the double at Crufts you have to a very special dog — and Elsa is!
“Elsa is just the best. She is my soulmate. She is the Torvill to my Dean. She is the perfect pet, my best friend and you couldn’t wish for a better working partner.”
Vanessa McAlpine, Crufts show manager, commented: “What an impressive routine and professional performance Elsa and Nicci provided to onlookers today in the arena. Heelwork to Music is a challenging and highly skilful activity that requires patience and dedication to execute to the level seen at Crufts. All the dogs and handlers really demonstrated incredible talent.”
