College student's dogs dazzle at Crufts

A LAKES College learner proudly showcased her dogs’ talents at this year’s Crufts Dog Show, earning an impressive array of awards.

Ruby James, from Cleator Moor, captivated audiences with her five dogs earlier this month, securing five rosettes, four second-place prizes and a third-place prize.

Ruby, who is currently a student at Lakes College studying on the Pre-Supported Internship programme, has been training show dogs since she was six years old and last year won her first four reserve tickets.

Reflecting on her journey to Crufts, Ruby said: “My family and I bought a dog from Wales, who happened to have previously been a show dog so we had a look into it and decided to have a go and the rest is history.

“We compete all year round, mostly on weekends, at various events throughout the country but you are always aiming to get to Crufts.”

Ruby has been competing with her dogs for 11 years and admitted she still gets pre-show nerves.

She added: “You must keep calm or the dogs might worry and get nervous and then you both won’t compete to the best of your ability.”

Ruby’s highlight of the day was Ollie, a dog she has been training since January, attending his first Crufts.

She said: “The first time he ever went to a show he won and qualified for Crufts so it was a great moment being able to showcase him.

“Getting a second in his first ever Crufts show was just amazing, especially after only a couple of weeks training.

“Because of how well we are doing, all of our current competition dogs are qualified for life now for Crufts and the ultimate dream is to win Crufts’ Best in Show or making up a UK champion.”