Crufts winner looks forward to peace and relaxation
The past few weeks have been hectic for Jilly, the three-year-old winner of ‘Best in Show’ at Crufts. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen has been training hard with her owners Gavin and Sara Robertson and her work paid off when the canine scooped the title at the NEC in Birmingham during the four-day competition.
Jilly’s owners are breeders who have always dreamed of their pet winning an award at the world-famous dog show and this year’s triumph means a lot to them, due to the fact that Jilly came in second place in the same category just two years ago.
Jilly has her owners to thank for her amazing win; Gavin has been attending the Crufts dog shows since he was just a young boy and now, at 39 years old, the couple continue to attend year-after-year. He said:
“I’m completely floating on air. It’s just a wonderful, wonderful feeling.”
Gavin now plans to retire Jilly from competitions. The coveted title is enough for the dog and her owners and now all that lies ahead is plenty of relaxation and leisure. Speaking about Jilly’s success at Crufts, he said:
“She rises to the occasion and loves the limelight and that’s what makes a great show dog.”
Gavin and Sara are the proud owners of two other dogs – a Bassett named Mini and Lilly’s mother, Dizzy. Because Gavin operates Avalon Kennels, which is based in Icknield Way in the Benson area, the dogs have the privilege of mingling with other dogs in a friendly environment.
