Trainee paramedic prepares for Crufts 2025 with Giant Schnauzer

Newcastle: Isla Foster, 20, is excited to debut at Crufts 2025. The event takes place at Birmingham’s NEC from March 6 to 9.

Her dog, Kenny, a Giant Schnauzer-Labrador mix, qualified for the Scruffts Handsome Dog competition. This is a big deal for the University of Sunderland student.

Isla had never entered a dog show before 2024. She joined a local show for fun and ended up qualifying for the national event.

Now, she’s ready to experience Crufts with her family and learn more about dog shows.

Isla shared, “It was totally an accident we qualified, but entering that competition was the best thing we’ve ever done.”

She saw the North East Dog Show advertised and thought it was a great chance with her new puppy.

“It was for the most handsome dog, and we thought he was really handsome. It was just £2 to enter, so we went for it,” she said.

They didn’t expect to win, but when they did, Isla was thrilled.

Isla’s first showing at Crufts is also a way to give back to Kenny. He helped her through a tough time after losing her previous dog.

“I lost my dog two years ago, and it was heartbreaking. I didn’t realize how much it affected my mental well-being,” she explained.

“I used to enjoy daily walks, but after losing my dog, I struggled to go out without one.”

She added, “We weren’t even looking for Kenny; he found us. An ad popped up, and he was just two minutes away.”

Isla had to convince her dad to let them adopt a big dog. She even Photoshopped Kenny’s paws to look smaller in the picture.

“When we met him, my dad fell in love, and it was a done deal,” she said.

“Kenny saved me, so I want to give something back to him. Crufts is that chance.”

Crufts, organized by The Kennel Club, celebrates happy, healthy dogs and their loving relationships with owners.

The event runs from March 6-9, 2025, at the NEC Birmingham. Viewers can catch all the highlights on Channel 4 and More4. For more info and tickets, visit crufts.org.uk.