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They've been rescued from a life on the street to become top athletes, showing other dogs how it's done on the agility circuit. Best of all, these dogs are proving size doesn't matter a jot.
Rescue dogs Keane, Fly, Foxy, Widget, OB, Didi, Archie, and Nancy make quite a team. All have overcome adversity and discovered a love for tearing around an agility course, flying through hoops, and weaving between obstacles.
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home gathered the tiny champions together to show that rescue dogs really are capable of anything and should never be underestimated. You can watch them in action at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuKAxRlwohA
The Battersea LV= Agility team has already introduced many of these dogs larger friends to the circuit, with Staffies. Spaniels and Belgian Shepherds demonstrating their speed, pooch precision, and fido finesse at events around the country. The world-famous team are easily identifiable by their bright blue LV= dog coats as they fly through the air and leap over hurdles at some of the country's top dog competitions.
So, who are the four-legged athletes on Battersea's miniature agility rostrum?
· Four year old 'cheeky' Spitz Didi who has reached the top level of agility since being rehomed from Battersea at one year old. When not competing, she loves nothing more than to snooze.
· Five year old Yorkshire Terrier cross Odd Bod (OB) who has also reached the top level of agility, and will happily dive in the water for a swim at any given chance.
· 10 year old Jack Russell Terrier Keane who was rescued from Ireland when he was a four month old puppy and now takes part in agility contests every weekend. He's had three championship wins and loves cuddles and sausages.
· Eight year old Terrier Widget who was rehomed from Battersea when he was one year old. He dived head first into agility and has been competing for the past six years, reaching Grade 6 level. His favourite pastime is rolling around in mud and stealing food.
· Seven year old Chihuahua Nancy who was found abandoned in an alleyway and has gone on to compete in agility competitions around the UK. Away from the circuit she's a big fan of napping in her bed.
· Two year old Terrier cross Fly who is in her first year of competing in agility and will be showing off her skills at Crufts next year. She loves her fluffy toys.
· Five year old Terrier cross Foxy who survived being put in a bag and thrown in a river, and has now been competing in agility for four years. Foxy adores tennis balls and sausages.
· Designated 'team coach', nine year old West Highland Terrier Archie who is far more interested in chasing squirrels and eating but is practising his agility skills too.
Ali Taylor, Head of Canine Behaviour and Training at Battersea heads up the charity's rescue dog agility team. She says:
"Our miniature champions always put on a spectacular display and they're all the more remarkable because they have all at some time in their life found themselves abandoned or unwanted. Now there's no stopping them! With the support of LV= we look forward to showing off our agility champions and encouraging more people to give a second chance to a rescue dog."
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For more information and images please contact 020 7627 9294 or email press@battersea.org.uk
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