A team made up of human and canine siblings is to race at the world’s most prestigious dog show.
Arbroath sisters Sophia and Jessica Herald have been selected to run with the Scottish junior team Bravehearts in the Young Kennel Club flyball contest.
The girls, who are aged 13 and 11, will be joined by collies Yoda, Eclipse and Whim – who are all from the same litter born in November 2014 – along with two other young handlers, Ben Roberts and Kiesha Morrison, and their dogs. Mia Morrison will act as boxloader
Both girls normally race with Angus-based Star Paws Racing, spending weekend at competitions across the country.
Mum Mandy said it was an outstanding achievement for two siblings to be among the only four young handlers in Scotland chosen to compete.
She said: “I think it’s quite sweet to have the two girls and then the brothers and sisters from the litter.
“It’s amazing that both girls made the team as there’s only four handlers chosen from the whole of Scotland – it’s a great achievement that their success in competing has been noticed.
“Sophia and Jessica compete with these dogs all the time and alongside adults and there’s not really a junior platform apart from Crufts.”
Arbroath high pupil Sophia, who is handling Yoda, said her school mates would be cheering her on.
She said: “Some of them have said they will be watching it but others don’t really know what Crufts is, because they don’t have dogs.
“I’m very excited about racing at Crufts because I’ve never been before and I just love doing stuff with Yoda, my dog.
“Racing with my sister makes us closer because it’s something we have in common.”
Whim’s handler Jessica, who attends Arbirlot primary school, said having her sister there made her more confident.
She said: “I’m excited but also nervous. I’m worried about making a mistake but I trust my dog – she’ll probably be better than me.
“I do like competing with Sophia though – she makes me feel better.”
Sophia and Jessica will enter the ring on Saturday in their first race against Yorkshire-based Critical Impact.
