Team off to a flier at Crufts
WHEN the Burton family, from High Grange, took on a free puppy three years ago, they little expected to be gracing the green carpet at Crufts 2007.But three-year-old Collie-cross Meg has exceeded all expectations, and as part of the Teesdale Bombers, showed her star quality in the Flyball competition last week.
Mr Burton said: "It was an unforgettable experience to be on that green carpet and we still haven¹t come down to earth yet.² ³Meg is so smart and gentle and just has such natural ability.
"She had a faultless run, fast and accurate, and helped her team to knock out three times Champions, the Nuneaton Titans in the quarter final. "She loves Flyball and has also been a keen footballer since being a puppy!" Flyball is a fast-paced and adrenaline-filled relay event where two teams compete in the ring at the same time.
Each dog must jump four hurdles before triggering the panel on the flyball box.
A tennis ball is then released which each dog must catch and hold before returning over the hurdles to the start.
Meg took to the sport thanks to trainer Sonia Lynch, from Butterknowle, who helped bring out her confidence and who works with Meg each week.² The future is bright for Meg, and the Burton¹s second dog Fern, who will be competing throughout the summer and joining in with public demonstrations.
Mr Burton said: ³We have only been a part of the Teesdale Bombers for a short while but the group is great and we have our fingers crossed that we do well next year too.² Meg will now run on the club's new super team formed for a Crufts 2008 qualifier, at Scunthorpe in April.
Tyne Tees Television will be filming at a club practice session on Sunday March 18.
