A WELLS woman who has recently taken up dog-showing has amazed herself by qualifying for Crufts.
The event, described as the world’s greatest dog show, takes place this year at The NEC Birmingham from March 6-9. And among those taking part will be Susie Curteis-Lateo with her Standard Long-haired Dachshund Swansford Priyankadora.
Susie has run the Greenacres Dog Hotel near Wells for more than 11 years, looking after pets while their owners are on holiday. Because it can be a solitary job, and she loves to learn new skills, she decided that learning about showing and taking part would help her meet other like-minded people.
“All my life I’ve had rescue dogs, never had a pedigree dog before, so I decided a Standard Long-haired Dachshund was the right breed for me as my first pedigree dog to show with,” she said.
She researched the breed, went to Dachshund shows, and began attending Crufts. She spoke to breeder Daniel Roberts from Stafford at Crufts 2024 just before he won the Best of Breed in the Long-haired Dachshund class with Swansford Gabrieldor, the father of Susie’s dog – Daniel had a litter of puppies available, and was happy for Susie to take one of them on.
“I have plenty of enclosed land – nine acres – so we have plenty of space for Swansford Priyankadora to run around in,” she said. “Due to the nature of my business we always have lots of visiting dogs so there’s always someone for her to play with, which is excellent for her social skills.”
Breeder Daniel introduced Susie to ring-craft and she started going to shows as soon as Swansford Priyankadora was six months old, and was placed third in the hound class at her first show. “This gave me the confidence to enter more shows and people encouraged me to enter a championship show. I entered The Ladies Kennel Association show at Stafford, got placed second, and I qualified to go to Crufts,” said Susie.
“This was a shock because I thought it would take me several years before I could show at Crufts. So as a complete novice knowing nothing about showing, after six months I am now going to Crufts.
“It’s been an incredible journey so far and I can’t wait for what the future holds.”
Susie said that when she started Greenacres Dog Hotel, it was the first non-kennels in Wells. She continues to develop her business, and has just had the website upgraded (www.doghomecare.co.uk). Greenacres Dog Hotel is also one of the sponsors of Wells Football Club.