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• Pampered pooches have the X Factor

Pampered pooches have the X Factor

Dog lovers and their pampered pooches descended on Queen’s Park estate for the area’s first Dog Factor show.

The show, held in the local St Jude’s Hall, gave over 25 dog owners a chance to show off their pets who competed in categories which included ‘Pup Idol’, ‘Miss Diva’, ‘best rescue dog’ and ‘I luv my staffi’.

Organised by CityWest Homes housing manager Fahema Akthar and local dog handling expert Chrissie Chambers, the show aimed to promote responsible dog ownership in the area. Residents got free advice about de-fleaing and worming and given free ‘clean-it-up’ dog bags. Free neutering vouchers were also available to all bull breed owners to control the over-breeding of large bull terriers in the area.

Prizes included ribbons, rosettes, ball throwers and toys. A special engraved trophy was awarded to dogs Khan, a Staffordshire bull terrier, and Max, a wolf dog, for their socialisation with both people in the community and other dogs. So unexpected was the accolade, Khan and Max’s owners were moved to tears.

Westminster’s cabinet member for housing, Councillor Jonathan Glanz, arrived with his dog Pippo, who won a prize in the best senior citizen category. He said: “I think it’s a great event and one that CityWest Homes should be proud of. Events like this bring all dog lovers of the community together and Pippo and I am delighted to be apart of it and support it.”

Chrissie, who has held more than eight shows across the city, added: “The event was such a success and everyone worked so hard to bring it together. All the dogs were well-behaved. We wanted to promote responsible dog ownership, gentleness and the ability to socialise some breeds. I think we achieved that here today.”

The ultimate Dog Factor winner’s prize went to a beautiful Rottweiler named Ebony, who also won Miss Diva. Ebony received a dog water fountain from Grand Union Pets in Maida Vale. Her thrilled owner, Naz, said: “I was shaking on the stage but I’m so pleased and proud of her. This has definitely been the best dog show ever.”

Full list of winners:
Dog Factor winner and Ms Diva winner - Ebony (Rottweiler); Mr Slick - Oliver (Retriever); Pup Idol - Alfie (Jack Russell); Best socialised dog and owner - Niko (Alsatian/husky); Best rescue dog - Josie (Jack Russell) and Frankie (Yorkshire terrier); Best senior - joint winners Khan (Staffordshire bull terrier) and Tilly (King Charles cavalier); Best community dog - Max (German shepherd) and Khan (Staffordshire bull terrier); I Luv My Staffi - shared between all Staffordshire bull terriers at the event.