On Thursday 23rd October, Michael Gove,Conservative MP for Surrey Heath and his 18-month-old Bichon Frise cross, Snowy, will compete with other politicians and their pooches to win the coveted title of ‘Westminster Dog of the Year 2014’.
Dogs of all shapes and sizes will be whipping their MP and Peer owners into shape as they head to Victoria Tower Gardens, Westminster, London to see who will be crowned top ‘pawlitical’ dog for 2014.
Organised jointly by Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club, the competition offers the unique chance for Michael Gove MP to show off his loyal four-legged friend, Snowy, who has supported him on the political trail. The competition also encourages an open dialogue on important dog-welfare issues ahead of next year’s General Election.
The theme of this year’s event focuses on positive training and education, demonstrating how this helps to strengthen the bond between dog and owner.
Proud owner, Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, explains: “Snowy is a wonderful companion and my biggest supporter, and he will now take centre stage to compete at this Westminster Dog of the Year. I have no doubt that with dogged determination he will win over the hearts of the voters and achieve a landslide victory.”
MPs will be calling for their supporters to vote for them in a bid to win the public vote. The additional judging on the day will review the contestants on their heroic doggy deeds and winning personalities. This will then determine which political pooch will take home the ultimate parliamentary privilege of the ‘Westminster Dog of the Year 2014’ title.
The Westminster Dog of the Year 2014 competition starts at 10.00am on Thursday 23rd October at Victoria Tower Gardens. The judging panel that will determine which pooch wins the highly desired crown includes Clarissa Baldwin OBE, CEO of Dogs Trust, Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary and last year’s winner, Rt Hon Sir Alan Duncan MP. Confirmed guest speakers include Angela Smith MP, Shadow Minister for Animal Welfare.
Details of MPs and dogs entered for this year’s Westminster Dog of the Year can be found at www.thekennelclub.org.uk/westminsterdogoftheyear and to vote for Michael Gove and Snowy, please visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/WDOTY2014