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Allen Parton, left, with his Labrador Endal; and Sergeant Danny Morgan, handler, with his springer spaniel Buster, spent some time talking to Prince Michael of Kent, (centre).
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TWO heroic canines helped to launch the British Crufts dog show on Friday March 4. They were Endal, a very well known service Labrador, and Buster, a springer spaniel. Both have carved their personal nich in canine history.
Endal was awarded the Dicken Medal after he saved owner Allen Parton's life when he was involved in a car accident in 2001.
Buster also was awarded the Dicken Medal for gallantry when he discovered weapons and cocaine destined for use against British troops in Iraq last year. Both dogs represented the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and their Families Association (SSAFA) at the show.
His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent GCVO was present at the weekend and took some time out to talk to Allen Parton and Sgt Danny Morgan and to shake paws with Endal and Buster. The prince is president of both the SSAFA Forces Help, and the Kennel Club, so has more than a passing interest in such occasions.
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| Endal adopts his 'official' pose at Crufts' closing ceremony. |
More than 21,000 dogs attended the show over the four days and over 150,000 visitors. The show, held in the Midlands, celebrated its century last year and is not only a venue where the best dogs compete in the showring. The top dogs in agility and obedience also meet to demonstrate their skills.The kennel club was more than pleased with this year's entry numbers, especially as over 300 dogs attended from foreign countries. This year's show lineup displayed more than 170 different breeds.
There were four new breeds at the show this year - the Pyrenean Mastiff, Azawakhs, Eurasiers and some Portuguese Podengos.
At the end of March Endal had, by invitation, a private audience with the Queen at Windsor Castle to show off his skills. Allen said: "What an amazing journey Endal has taken me on since we met."
