German shorthaired pointer crowned Holyrood Dog of the Year

A one-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer has been crowned winner of the prestigious Holyrood Dog of the Year competition, organised by The Kennel Club and Dogs Trust.

Mabel, who entered the event with MSP for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale Christine Grahame, impressed the judges with her loveable character and devotion to her constituents.

The fourth Holyrood Dog of the Year competition took place in the Scottish Parliament gardens at Horse Wynd, Edinburgh saw Mabel defeat 13 opponents.

Additionally, the competition encourages an open dialogue on dog welfare issues, as well as providing an opportunity for MSPs to meet with experts to discuss all aspects of the canine world.

Grahame said: “They’re all winners because the dogs are all wonderful, but the event is really about highlighting animal welfare and dog welfare. I’m bringing a Bill forward in Parliament to make sure people who acquire a puppy, just like Mabel, do their homework first, and from a breeder who makes sure they have the right household and the right lifestyle.

“I want to stop people buying puppies from puppy farms. Mabel is a puppy who had an excellent start to life. She was in a super litter, brought up properly, she was in a happy household. All dogs should have that in their lives.”

Owen Sharp, Dogs Trust Chief Executive, said: “With the last Holyrood Dog of the Year taking place in 2019, it is wonderful to be back in Edinburgh to celebrate our canine companions. Choosing a winner is never easy as there is no doubt all the dogs are winners, but congratulations to Mabel and Christine Grahame MSP who stood out because of their great work in Parliament together.”

Leading the opposition in second place was Tony, a Cockapoo, owned by Pam Duncan-Glancy, Scottish Labour MSP for the Glasgow region, while third place was awarded to Ollie, a Dogs Trust rescue dog, accompanied by Clare Adamson, Scottish National Party MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw.

The competition also had a winner decided solely from the public vote which was Bluesy, a Greyhound, accompanied by Mark Ruskell, Scottish Green Party MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife region.

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