A tail of triumph as golden oldie Gracie is crowned top dog at Scruffts
THEY say you cannot teach an old dog new tricks but grey-muzzled Gracie knows how to bring joy to the heart.
The golden oldie has toddled off with the prestigious Scruffts trophy with her touching story of triumph over adversity.
Now looking towards her 11th birthday – the equivalent of 77 human years – Gracie has put her sad start in life behind her to become a devoted pet for owner Alison Hitchins.
She is also a Pets As Therapy dog, visiting patients at her local hospice who are missing their own companion animals.
Last week Gracie took the day off to appear in the main arena at Crufts to compete in the crossbreed championship that celebrates those mutts whose bloodlines are not quite as pure as the champion pedigrees.
While Gracie is hardly a blue-blood with her West Highland terrier, rough collie and corgi DNA, her loving nature and defiant spirit won the day.
She had already won the Golden Oldie title at a preliminary Scruffts round and appeared in the NEC Birmingham show ring alongside the Prettiest Crossbreed, Child’s Best Friend and Best Rescue.
It was the story of how she was found on the streets heavily pregnant and then languished in a rescue centre before being given a home and new life by Alison that won over the judges, ex-Dogs Trust chief executive Clarissa Baldwin and our pet columnist Stuart Winter.
Retired lecturer Alison, 64, of Alvechurch, Worcs, spotted Gracie on a rescue dog website nine years ago.
I entered her into Scruffts because I think it is important to promote rescue dogs and crossbreeds
Although her pups had been found homes, she was still unwanted.
“It was love at first sight,” said Alison.
“She was thin and sad but so sweet.
"At first it was not always easy with Gracie.
"Her recall was not that good and if she got a scent she wanted to be off.
"But she has now won training awards and done agility and obedience work.
“When I retired three years ago I had her assessed as a Pets As Therapy dog and now take her into a hospice and a care home for people with dementia.
"The patients love her.
“I entered her into Scruffts because I think it is important to promote rescue dogs and crossbreeds.
"I also think a category for Golden Oldies is essential as we don’t always value the loyalty and companionship older dogs give us.”
