An abused Pointer cross rescued in Cyprus and brought back to life in the UK has won a top prize at Crufts, the world’s biggest dog show.
Amanda Bell brought Percy into her home in Worrall, near Sheffield, just eight months ago and now Percy is the winner of Scruffts – the competition for crossbreed dogs.
After finding him on the streets in Cyprus, having been shot and suffering with failing kidneys, Amanda and her father Michael nursed him back to health and now Percy is a winner.
Having been shot multiple times, unable to stand and weighing only 9 kilos, Amanda arranged for Percy to travel to the UK, with his chances of survival looking uncertain.
“I’ve had rescue dogs before, but Percy was the most terrified I have had. When you look at him now, you don’t realise the progress he has made day to day.
“When you look back over the eight months and see the change you can’t believe it’s the same dog.
“It has been lovely to see and watch where he has come from to now, he was a day away from dying with his injuries,” said Amanda.
Percy was one of six crossbreed finalists in the national Scruffts competition. Hundreds of dogs competed in qualifying heats around the UK, but only six lucky dog owners made it to Crufts.
Thrilled Amanda said: “I’m a bit overwhelmed! Percy is so special, I’m so proud of him. Walking in that arena was such an amazing experience.”
Singer, presenter and dog lover Michael Ball and dog judge Gerald King judged the six finalists on qualities such as good character, health and temperament with people and other dogs.
On the difficult decision of choosing the winner, Michael Ball said: “They’re all gorgeous, so it was an impossible decision.
"Percy is so calm, kind, you look into his eyes and he’s so grateful. It’s a testament as much to Amanda as it is to him.”
Despite being very poorly and frightened when first arriving in Britain, the family built up trust and bonded with Percy and where he once was too scared to go further than the garden gate, they have since helped him to achieve his Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme Bronze award and, win at Crufts.
