Sponsored by
Collie Meg ready for the challenge
A TALENTED border collie will be out to impress judges at this year's World Agility Championships - after being picked to represent Australia.
Six-year-old 'Meg' has caught the eye of those 'Down Under' despite her 'Pommie' roots and she will stride out on the international stage in May.
Her owner and trainer, Bob Sharpe, is full of pride for the former rescue dog who has been regularly competing in agility contests throughout the UK.
Mr Sharpe, of Owston Ferry, explained Meg had not entered enough UK Agility shows, instead taking part in a number of Kennel Club events, meaning she had not secured enough qualifiying points to make the British squad.
But Blighty's loss has proved to be Australia's gain.
"There have been some quarantine problems with the Australian dogs so rather than not come at all they looked for British dogs for their handlers," explained Bob.
"They have had videos of Meg and asked questions and there has been a selection process. I said yes and she will now be competing against the best in the world."
The red and white bitch will be up against teams from 16 other nations - including British dogs she has defeated - and Bob will be watching her performances closely at the championships.
He added: "I am quite happy and she is capable. Meg is not just there to make the numbers up and she can compete with the best."
Challenges which lie ahead include individual and team rounds which will put all the dogs through their paces where jumping, weaving and walking will all be judged.
Australian team captain Cathy Slot highlighted Meg's independent obstacle skills and explained she would represent the country in either the midi or maxi class.
She said: "Some of the things that drew us to Meg are that she and Bob had won Crufts in 2008, demonstrating her ability to achieve at the top level of competition in that pressure environment. She has achieved a variety of finals under different handlers and Bob uses a handling system consistent with many of our Australian team handlers."
The championships will take place in Clevedon, North Somerset, between Friday, May 14, and Sunday, May 16.
Six-year-old border collie Meg, of Owston Ferry, is representing Australia in the forthcoming World Agility Championships in May. She is pictured with proud owner and trainer Bob Sharpe. Picture: Liz Mockler E0470LM
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Epworth
Sunday 05 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -0 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: -0 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North west
