A PAIR OF INSPIRATIONAL young people will be representing Moray at the Scottish Kennel Club’s junior handler of the year show this weekend.
Eight-year-old Calum Taylor will join Kirsty Wynne, 17, at the show on Sunday when they hope to add national success to their local efforts.
Alves youngster Calum will be showing his handling skills with the help of his Mum’s Cavalier King Charles spaniel ‘Jazz’ at the Cumbernauld event, while Kirsty, who is from Elgin and works at Johnstons of Elgin, will be carefully guiding Raymond and Linda Younies golden retriever ‘Scotia’.
The pair are representing the Banff, Moray and Nairn Canine Club where they have been attending weekly ‘ringcraft’ classes in the Spynie Hall. Calum’s mother Joanna Cockburn said he spends hours with Jazz, caring for the dog after his homework is complete every day.
“Calum is dog-obsessed and Kirsty is the same – they both have a real passion and we are all very proud of the efforts that have taken them to the national competition.
“Calum is a P4 pupil at Alves Primary where the head teacher has recognised several dog showing achievements by presenting him the ‘head teachers award’, for which he is very proud.”
The competition on Sunday will focus not only on dog handling ability but will pose a series of questions to the pair to test their knowledge of their dog breeds.
Joanna added: “The Scottish Kennel Club junior handler of the year has a number of qualifying classes throughout Scotland – so even to qualify for this event is a great achievement.”