IT?S definitely not a dog?s life for one Mary Tavy pup this week ? Merrygarth Jackson has returned from Crufts with a prestigious first place rosette.
The ten-month-old miniature smooth-haired dachsund, who is known to his friends as Tigger, walked away with the award for Best Puppy Dog in Breed.
His owner, Pam Lashbrook, said: ?I?m thrilled that Tigger was chosen ? it?s a great honour, after all, Crufts is the biggest dog show in the world.
?I?ve owned dachsunds for 23 years and had lots of second and third places over that time, but this is my first ever first.?
The win is very much a family affair for Pam: ?Tigger?s father was one of my boys called Jack the Lad, and his mother was owned by one of my best friends.
?It makes the win extra special knowing I?ve been there right from the start!?
The pair had a long day to get through before gaining the award ? Pam and Tigger boarded the coach to Crufts at 1.30am on Sunday and didn?t get home until 9pm that day.
After lots of excitement and very little sleep the two were greeted with a celebratory glass of wine and bowl of water ? the perfect way to round off a successful trip.
Pam said: ?It?s not only the winning that?s fantastic ? the whole atmosphere is great and it?s fun just to be there ? but the rosette really puts the icing on the cake!?