A WORCESTER dog trainer has set her sights on wowing the crowds as her ‘unicorn’ pet prepares to take centre stage at Crufts.
Georgie Lott, aged 37, is far from new to the dog show world, having been practicing her skills in agility since the age of nine.
Yet despite her wealth of experience, next week will be her maiden outing in the main ring at Crufts at the NEC in Birmingham, qualifying alongside her working cocker spaniel Eadie.
Georgie has become accustomed to seeing her spaniel dazzle onlookers, standing out from the crowd enough to earn a rather special nickname.
“She’s actually known as ‘The Unicorn’,” she said.
“When she was a puppy, she went on a training day and she was in a group with loads of collies – and of course, collies are renowned for being super intelligent.
“All these collies got this thing wrong and Eadie rocked up and just nailed it. The trainer was like ‘she’s not a dog, she’s not even a collie, she’s a unicorn!’
“She’s just really clever. She literally gives her whole heart. She’s very intense, screaming the whole way around.
“She acts so cute and innocent on the start line. And as soon as I let her go, she turns into this crazy beast.”
Georgie isn’t short of love for her three-year-old pooch, citing the restrictions imposed by lockdown as the catalyst in developing their special bond.
She is a major advocate for dog training, having discovered it as a fantastic outlet for dogs to channel any anxiety they may have.
After suffering a few setbacks in her attempts to qualify for Crufts in past years, Georgie will finally have her shot at glory next week as she graces the main ring for the first time.
“I can’t explain how excited I am,” she said.
Crufts, run by The Kennel Club, is a unique celebration of happy, healthy dogs and of the loving relationship that they enjoy with their owners. Crufts is held from March 7-10 at the NEC Birmingham. Viewers can follow all the action and highlights on Channel 4, and for further information and tickets visit: http://crufts.org.uk
