Justin with 9 year old Megan
Megan, the 9 year old German Shepherd, belonging to Justin Tomlinson, Conservative MP for North Swindon, will be hoping for a decisive Conservative victory when she enters the 20th Westminster Dog of the Year competition on Thursday 25th October, at Victoria Tower Gardens in London’s Westminster.
The competition, which is organised jointly by Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club, aims to highlight dog welfare issues and the unique relationship between man and dog, as the canine companions of MPs from all over the UK strut their stuff in a bid to take the coveted title.
Proud owner Justin Tomlinson MP explains:
“I am extremely excited to be representing North Swindon and going head to head with my fellow MPs at this year’s Westminster Dog of the Year. I have every faith that Megan will give the other dogs a run for their money as she is full of energy and has a lovely nature which I’m hoping will wow the judges and make her a hot contender for the title.”
The Westminster Dog of the Year competition is open to all Parliamentary pooches, regardless of breed or ‘pawlitical’ persuasion. The competition rewards contestants for being responsible dog owners and judging criteria includes heroic doggy deeds, winning personalities and acts of dogged devotion. In the lead-up to the competition, MPs will take to social media to rally support from their constituents and encourage them to vote for their canine companion.
At this year’s event, the “Doggy Dash” will take place for the very first time, which will see the pups parading their speed and agility across the finish line in a bid to be crowned Westminster Dog of the Year.
Clarissa Baldwin, CEO of Dogs Trust said:
“We are delighted to be holding the 20th Westminster Dog of the Year competition. This competition gives MPs a unique chance to show off the four-legged friends who support them on the political trail, as well as the opportunity to promote responsible dog ownership and canine welfare to their constituency and the wider public.”
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Communications Director, said:
“The competition is open to all parliamentarians’ dogs, and we aim to find the dog that is the most worthy of the title – whether they help to blaze the political trail in their owner’s constituency, or simply offer their MP-masters the odd lick of support.”
To have your say in who will come out top dog, check out the canine competitors’ CVs at www.thekennelclub.org.uk/westminsterdogoftheyear and to vote for Megan straight away visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/Westminsterdogoftheyear.
Justin’s Twitter page can be found at http://twitter.com/jtomlinsonmp