Sponsored walk for Crufts champion
Image: Jilly and Gavin at Crufts 2013
Jilly's Jolly Jaunt in aid of good causes The Crufts 2013 Best in Show winner will walk 130 miles with her owner and other big names to raise money for three charities.
Jilly, a petit basset griffon vended, will begin her sponsored walk at Birmingham's NEC and travel all the way to London's Great Ormond Street Hospital from June 10.
All money raised will be given to Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity, DogLost and the Kennel Club Charitable Trust.
Jilly's Jolly Jaunt will see the champion walk with her owner Gavin Robertson, as well as various four-legged friends from Crufts, who will join in at various stages throughout the journey.
Fellow walkers include previous Crufts champions, group winners from this year's event, healthy examples of the 14 High Profile Breeds and representatives from the Kennel Club's Vulnerable Native Breeds list.
Amelia Siddle and her dog Flo, who won the Crufts Junior Warrant competition, will be completing the entire walk alongside Jilly and Gavin.
"I wanted to use the profile that our Crufts Best in Show win gave us to do something for deserving causes," explained Gavin.
"Jilly is such an active dog, so I know that she'll have no problem walking 130 miles, but I think I now need to start my training regime."
He added that the walk will help to highlight how healthy and happy pedigree show dogs are, and what active lives they lead outside of the show ring.
Click here to sponsor Jilly's Jolly Jaunt.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
