Crufts 2008

Gromit and Julie Click photo for larger image and details

Crufts was the usual spectacular celebration of all things dog. There was a strong message of rescue this year, with actor Neil Morrissey talking movingly about his own rescue dog, and why he's supporting the Pedigree Adoption Drive (see DogCast Radio episode 62). Also in Episode 62 you can hear from It's Me or the Dog presenter and dog trainer Victoria Stilwell on what she was doing at Crufts.

There were many people attending who were eager to use the focus on dog related issues to get their message out, and we'll be continuing our coverage in episode 63. This year there were even rumours of a "Superdog" flying in from America. The gossip became so strong it caused a major bookmaker to suspend betting on the winner of Crufts. Fortunately no dogs were found to be wearing capes, or underwear outside their clothes, and the competition went ahead as normal.

One canine celebrity was Gromit - of Wallace and Gromit - who was there to help celebrate the Kennel Club's Good Citizen scheme. In his honour there was a huge (over fifty feet high) inflatable model of him at he front of the NEC, which houses the sprawling show over several of its vast halls. There's only one thing to do with such a gigantic inflatable - have your photo taken with it!

Take care.