A WOMAN from Watlington says she is thrilled after her dog won a top prize at this year’s Crufts.

Odie, a three-year-old bearded collie, was named best in breed at the show in Birmingham.

Owner Carolyn Boddington, who has three other bearded collies and a cocker spaniel, said: “I couldn’t believe it and was absolutely delighted. Odie is still very young and he was up against some fabulous dogs which were several years older than him with much more mature, developed coats.”

She has shown dogs at Crufts for about 24 years and her pets have been awarded runner-up prizes in the class twice.

“Everybody’s goal is to win your class,” said Mrs Boddington. “There is something about the show that makes you want to do really well. We gave Odie lots of exercise and walked miles and miles around Watlington.”

She said Odie’s charm came from his quiet nature. “He’s really easy going, a real gentleman and nothing seems to phase him,” she said. “He’s very loving and he adores a cuddle — I think he sometimes thinks he’s a small dog as he wants to sit on your lap.

“After he won and the fuss had died down I looked him in the eyes and I said, ‘I hope you know how special you are’ and he gave me this big lick and a big kiss.”

Mrs Boddington, a marketing consultant, bought her first bearded collie, Thomas, 25 years ago, a year after she got married.

Her husband, Neil, a parish councillor, wanted a border collie but soon came round after his wife brought Thomas home from a rescue centre one evening.

Published 19/03/13