Eastbourne dog nominated for spot at Crufts

Lyn Storey, of Royal Parade, has put forward her three-year-old Pug/Border Terrier cross Pip, who she rescued as an unwanted puppy from Foal Farm animal rescue.

The Kennel Club’s Eukanuba Friends for Life competition celebrates heart-warming stories of friendship in adversity, where dogs have truly earned the title of man’s best friend, through bravery, support or companionship.

Lyn has provided Pip with love, care and training and now, such as been the turnaround, the dog has started a competitive agility career while Lyn regularly takes her to interact with the residents of Eastbourne Mencap.

“She was a very full on puppy and she had a lot of self control issues in the beginning,” said Sue, 52.

“She’s now a therapy dog with a charity called Canine Concern, and visits severely mentally and physically handicapped adults at Mencap in Eastbourne.

“Pip is such a lovely dog. I could tell she cared about others and she has helped others to come out of their shell because she interacts with them in a way that some people don’t.

“She doesn’t back away from them. She licks them, she plays with them and they’ll throw toys with her.

“Anything you do with your own dog, these guys will do to the best of their ability, bearing in mind some of these guys are wheelchair bound and have incredibly limited movement.

“She also works with autistic children and she helps them with their communication skills as they struggle to communicate so well. She brings normality, she brings love and communication.

“I’d love for her to make the final or even win. Crufts is just the top when it comes to the dog world. It would be a dream come true. She is the tiniest dog around, just six kilos, but she’s got the heart of a lion.”

Lyn and Pip can often be found in action at dog shows around the country and the pair will be hoping for another trip out for the Kennel Club’s Eukanuba Friends for Life showpiece on Sunday March 13 at Birmingham’s NEC.

Crufts, run by the Kennel Club, is a unique celebration of happy, healthy dogs and will this year be celebrating its 125th anniversary.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club spokesperson, said: “Lyn and Pip are thoroughly deserving of this nomination and the Kennel Club wishes them luck in the Eukanuba Friends for Life competition.

“We have been honoured to hear about the hundreds of dogs throughout the UK who are making a profound difference to people’s lives.

“Crufts is the world’s best known dog stage and encourage anybody who thinks that their dog’s loyalty, friendship or bravery has made a difference to their life, or the lives of others, to get in touch.

“Each and every one of the finalists has helped to change and save lives in their own unique and special way.”

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