Doberman Louis seeks Crufts glory

Pampered pooches from across the Fylde coast are taking to the stage at the world's largest dog show.
BLACKPOOL  08-03-16
Jeanette Gregson from Thornton-Cleveleys with doberman Louis, she is taking to Crufts 2016.BLACKPOOL  08-03-16
Jeanette Gregson from Thornton-Cleveleys with doberman Louis, she is taking to Crufts 2016.
BLACKPOOL 08-03-16 Jeanette Gregson from Thornton-Cleveleys with doberman Louis, she is taking to Crufts 2016.

More than 40 proud owners will be showing their dogs at Crufts in the hope of scooping a coveted first place trophy.

Dog show veteran Jeanette Gregson, 58, returned to the contest last year after a five-year break.

She will be showing her two-year-old Doberman, 
Louis.

BLACKPOOL  08-03-16 Louis' promo pictureBLACKPOOL  08-03-16 Louis' promo picture
BLACKPOOL 08-03-16 Louis' promo picture
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She said: “I go all over the country with Louis. He has won more than 50 first places in open shows and championships all over the country.

“I love the atmosphere and the people. We all support each other and I get a lot of comments about Louis.

“People always ask me how I keep his fur so shiny. It’s because he has coconut oil on his fur every day to keep him looking nice.”

Crufts runner-up Louis won 4th place in the junior dog class at last year’s competition. Now Jeanette, who lives in Thornton, is aiming for the prestigious first place award.

BLACKPOOL  08-03-16 Louis' promo pictureBLACKPOOL  08-03-16 Louis' promo picture
BLACKPOOL 08-03-16 Louis' promo picture
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She said: “I think he’s got a good chance. He’s got to have fantastic movement, good balance, and good markings. Everything has got to be perfect.

“He definitely enjoys the shows.”

Other Crufts hopefuls include professional dog groomers Leanne Bryant, Lisa Nelson and Beverley Morris of Fylde Pet Parlour, who will be showing American Cocker Spaniels Bart and Marilyn and Toy Poodles Kyle and Mick.

Leanne said: “The dogs work hard and they have to enjoy it. If they don’t enjoy it they haven’t got the show character.”

Dedicated dog breeder Joan Glennerster and her partner Lorraine Palmer, from Blackpool, will be showing one-year-old Cocker Spaniel Lucca.

Joan said: “I’ve been breeding dogs for 30 years.

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“I just love animals. Both my sons have dogs and I was brought up with Cocker Spaniels and I absolutely love them.

“My show dogs live a lovely life. They all enjoy themselves, they are fed the best foods and they get a shampoo and trim for the weekend. They even enjoy having baths.

“If a dog of mine didn’t want to show then I would bring it out of the ring, but it’s very rare that happens.”

Zoe Sielski, from Thornton, will be showing her German Pointers Olive and Zuki.

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She said: “Zuki won Post-graduate Award last year. It felt brilliant because I had bred her myself.

“They are still my pets and they sit on the sofa. There’s no room for me!”

Meanwhile, retired teacher Jack Elliott and his wife Barbara, from Cleveleys, will be eagerly watching their Springer Spaniel Alfie perform with a friend.

Jack said: “He’s alright in shows but he’s an absolute hooligan for anybody else. If anyone comes to the house we have to lock him away because he gets overexcited and jumps at them and licks them!

“Show dogs are just normal dogs at the end of the day. I’ll be very surprised if he wins!”

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