The Kennel Club may be primarily known for its pedigree expertise and the world’s largest dog show, Crufts, but the Companion Dog Club (CDC), which was set up in 2001, also offers dog lovers the opportunity to register their pets with the Kennel Club, whether they are pedigree or crossbred. The Companion Dog Club welcomes dogs and humans of all ages, and is a great way to be involved with the Kennel Club and take part in competitions where good looks and a waggy tail are the key qualities required!

Linzi and Lucy are not only keen members of the CDC, attending several Companion Dog Shows throughout the country, but are also stars of the screen after appearing in ‘It’s me or the dog’.

On winning the award Linzi commented, “Lucy and I both thoroughly enjoy being members as it enables us to do more activities together. I will continue being a proud member of the Companion Dog Club, entering more shows and achieving the best I possibly can, and enjoying the company of the best companion I could wish for - my Lucy Locket!”

Lucy is also a Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog having recently become registered as a PAT dog and wears her yellow ID jacket with pride! As a PAT dog, Lucy spends her time at Coppermill Care Home in Middlesex, visiting elderly people and giving them all the love and support she can.

Pets As Therapy is a national charity that has registered over 20,000 pets since its beginning 25 years ago. The Companion Dog Club realises how much work PAT dogs do for the community and so offers membership of the CDC to PAT dogs at a reduced price of £10.

Maureen Hennis, Chief Executive of Pets As Therapy commented, “We’re really pleased that our volunteers can join the Companion Dog Club at a reduced rate. Our volunteers work so hard to benefit the lives of so many so it’s great that they are given the chance to become a part of the close-knit Companion Dog Club community.”

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club spokesperson added, “Linzi and Lucy shone through all 6,000 Companion Dog Club members. Linzi’s a great example of how much you can get out of owning a dog. We are really pleased we can offer Pets As Therapy volunteers this chance to sign up to CDC as we realise how much they do for people who either can’t own a dog or are missing their own pet while they are in hospital.”

To find out more about becoming a Companion Dog Club Member go to http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/activities/companion_dog_club.html and to find out more about Pets As Therapy go to http://www.petsastherapy.org/.

Article courtesy of the Kennel Club.