On Monday 29th April 2019 Jeremy Balfour, the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party MSP for Lothian, and his eight-month-old Cavalier King Charles/Miniature Poodle cross, Sadie, will compete with other politicians and their pooches to win the coveted title of ‘Holyrood Dog of the Year’.
Dogs of all shapes and sizes, regardless of breed, creed or ‘pawlitical’ persuasion, will be helping their MSP owners to strut their stuff as they head to the Scottish Parliament gardens at Horse Wynd, Edinburgh, to see who will be crowned top dog.
Organised jointly by the Kennel Club and Dogs Trust, the competition offers the unique chance for Jeremy to show off his loyal canine companion, Sadie.
Much like its long-running English counterpart Westminster Dog of the Year, Holyrood Dog of the Year aims to promote responsible dog ownership and encourage open dialogue on dog welfare issues in Scotland, as well as providing an opportunity for MSPs to meet with dog welfare experts to discuss all aspects of the canine world. This year’s competition will raise awareness of the negative impact that fireworks can have on dog welfare, and how both dog owners and non-dog owners can help reduce this.
Proud owner, Jeremy explains: “Sadie is friendly, playful and responsive, and my biggest campaign supporter. If you’re looking for puppy love, look no further!
“This fun event will be a great chance to celebrate the essential work MSPs are doing to improve dog welfare and will be a fantastic opportunity to highlight the importance of responsible dog ownership, as well as issues around fireworks and dog welfare.”
MSPs will also be calling for their supporters to vote for them, in a bid to win the ‘pawblic’ vote, with additional judging on the day which will review the contestants on their good dog deeds and winning personalities. This will then determine which political pooch will take home the ultimate parliamentary privilege of the ‘Holyrood Dog of the Year’ title.
The judging panel to determine which dog wins the crown includes Paula Boyden, Veterinary Director at the Dogs Trust, and Bill Lambert, Senior Health and Welfare Manager at the Kennel Club.
The competition starts at 10.00am on Monday 29th April at the Scottish Parliament Gardens, Horse Wynd, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX.
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
