Meet the Crufts competitors who changed their owners’ lives

After giving up work to focus on caring for her elderly mother and her partner who had been diagnosed with early dementia, Jayne Howle, 65, welcomed Sealyham Terrier Wilbur to her family. He was a breath of fresh air, bringing joy to the household and inspiring Jayne to enter him into Crufts.

“I have discovered a new interest as well as meeting other show dog owners who have been supportive and helpful…He does me good and the rest of the family,” Jayne says.

Meanwhile, pup Yogi was found in a bin bag on the side of the road in Romania in below freezing temperatures. He was rescued by Happily Ever After and brought to the UK, where Elizabeth Lang, 39, rescued him after losing her previous dog to cancer.

Four years later, they began competing at Crufts, representing the Midlands. Elizabeth says, “He is a dog in a million. He loves his job and everyone always comments on how happy he is. His tail never stops wagging!”