A Rescue Dog Proclaimed Winner of Scruffts

A mixed breed dog who almost lost her life when she was just a pup won not only the day’s top prize in the recent Scruffts competition, but also the hearts of viewers watching the newest addition to the world’s largest dog show.

Promenading on the same stage which, until now, had been reserved solely for Crufts’ pedigreed pups, Becky– the representative of the “Prettiest for Crossbreeds” title– was selected as Scruffts’ top Spot from a pack of worthy contenders which included Most Handsome Dog Alfie, a Lab/Great Dane who found his forever home after five tries; Rascal, a 10-year-old Jack Russell/Norwich Terrier who proudly holds the title of “Golden Oldie”; and “Child’s Best Friend” finalist Barley, a Pyrenean Mountain Dog/Golden Retriever.

Becky basked in the limelight alongside Margaret McKnight, who became her pet parent seven years ago after the pup and her siblings were rescued from a sack which had been left near a river, and taken in by Assisi Animal Sanctuary (which also fostered and re-homed all of Becky’s brothers and sisters.) A kind-hearted canine, today Becky is a Pets As Therapy dog, helping people with Alzheimer’s.

The fortunate Fido was chosen the winner by actress Pam St Clement, a former star on the popular soap opera EastEnders, who today helps pets find loving homes through segments seen on ITV’s This Morning.

A competition with a 12-year history, 2013 marked the first time that the final for Scruffts was celebrated at Crufts. The first heat for the 2014 Scruffts competition will be held on March 31, 2013 in Suffolk, England at All About Dogs, a competition and day of play open to all dogs.