Steve Brine and his 9 year old Labrador, Popcorn, battled it out alongside MPs from all over the UK in a bid to win the coveted title of 'Westminster Dog of the Year 2012' on Thursday 25th October.
Retrievers will be raring to race, Greyhounds will be going for gold and Labradors will be limbering up to take the lead as dogs of all shapes and sizes battle it out in a bid to be crowned top dog.
Organised jointly by Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club, and held at at Victoria Tower Gardens, Westminster, the competition offered the unique chance for the Winchester MP to show off his loyal four-legged friend Popcorn, who has supported him on the political trail and is well-known across Winchester 7 Chandler's Ford. As well as this, the competition also encouraged an open dialogue on important dog welfare issues.
Proud owner Steve explained: "Popcorn and I were extremely excited to be representing Winchester & Chandler's Ford and going head to head with my fellow MPs at this year's Westminster Dog of the Year. I know Popcorn gave the other dogs a run for their money as he is full of energy and has a lovely nature. While we didn't pull off what would have been an awesome victory, all my congratulations go to Charlie Elphicke and his Norfolk Terrier, Star, and also David Burrowes and Lindsay Hoyle who took runners-up spots."
Clarissa Baldwin OBE, CEO of Dogs Trust, said: "Dogs are renowned for bringing people together and this competition is no exception. 'Westminster Dog of the Year' is a light-hearted way to encourage discussion on serious dog welfare issues needing urgent attention, as well as demonstrating the importance of dogs in our lives."
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: "We are excited to welcome all parliamentarians' dogs, regardless of their 'pawlitical' standing and we aim to find the dog that is the most worthy of the title – whether they help to blaze the political trail in their owners' constituencies, or simply offer their MP-masters the odd lick of support."
Steve added: "Popcorn would also like me to thank everyone across Winchester & Chandler's Ford who voted for him prior to the event, and asks that you take a look at the websites of the Dogs Trust and Kennel Club to find out more."
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