Three-legged dog shows off skills at Crufts

10 March 2011, 06:00

A three-legged mongrel called Douglas will be appearing at Crufts next week - to show off his agility skills.

Douglas will take on the agility course at the most famous dog show in the world to show that three legs are just as good as four.

He was found limping and foraging for food on a rubbish tip.

Council workers took him to a vet who amputated a leg after it was discovered it had been smashed in several places, probably by a shovel.

Douglas made a complete recovery and is now the mascot for a crime prevention initiative in Stevenage in Herts called Dog Watch.

He will take on the agility course with Stevenage Police Inspector Steve Hague as part of the televised programme from the show on Thursday, March 10.

Steve said: "I am really privileged to be working with Douglas at Crufts. I only hope I can keep up with him!"

Douglas's owner, Dog Watch Co-ordinator Sarah Sheldrick, who co-ordinates more than 1000 dog walkers in the town to took out for crime said: "Despite only having three legs, Douglas's speed and competence is absolutely amazing. He can jump over four feet without any problems and I'm sure he'll do us proud on the day."

Douglas, who was adopted by Sarah from the Blue Cross Animal Rescue Centre in Bromsgrove, was asked to take part in Crufts as part of an events team organised by the Blue Cross.

He will be appearing in the main arena at as part of the Rescue Agility event.

Sarah, who lives in Chells, Stevenage added: "It shows how an animal from a really traumatic background can respond really well to being placed in a loving home. His achievements really are fantastic and I’m so proud of him."