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11-year-old Morgan Shoosmith from Herne to compete for Crufts glory

16:10, 03 March 2019

updated: 16:29, 03 March 2019

An 11-year-old dog lover will be putting her polished pooches to the test this week as she competes at international dog show Crufts.

Morgan Shoosmith, from Herne, will travel to Birmingham with three dogs when she competes at the renowned canine showcase on Sunday, March 10.

The Herne Bay High School pupil is competing in the agility, Youth Kennel Club handling and best groomer in show categories, fielding a team of two standard poodles - Vienna and Havana - alongside a Hungarian Pumi called Promise.

Morgan Shoosmith, 11, with Vienna
Morgan Shoosmith, 11, with Vienna

No stranger to Crufts, Morgan has often travelled to the show with her mother Allison, who has fielded animals at the competiton since her daughter was born.

Her mum, who runs Alisiane Pet and Showgrooming, said: "Her first time competing at Crufts, she was only seven.

"She has won grooming twice - once when she was seven and again when she was 10. She has come 3rd in agility before and placed 5th last year."

Morgan has competed at Crufts since she was seven-years-old. (7527088)
Morgan has competed at Crufts since she was seven-years-old. (7527088)

"She came second last year in the national junior championships and she came second in the national under 12 competition.

"The dogs have been amazing for her, getting her out and about and she has a real rapport with them.

"When she started showing an interest in dogs, I very much wanted to support it so that she wouldn't always be sat in front of a computer screen. It's been great for her."

Morgan has already been decorated for her achievements in agility
Morgan has already been decorated for her achievements in agility

A young member of the Kennel Club, she has been competing against adults for since joining top agility club Up n Over Tigers two years ago.

When asked how she's feeling about competing at Crufts this year, mum Allison said: "She's taking it all in her stride. Everyone is supporting her.

"Her family, friends and school are all behind her and we're sure she'll do fantastically."

Morgan will compete over the course of five days, beginning with a grooming trial on Friday, March 8.

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