Rescue Dog from Northern Ireland is Crowned Britain’s Most Active Pet

Active Pets winner Lily
Active Pets winner Lily

Following a nationwide search for Britain’s most active pet, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Lily, who was rescued from a puppy farm in 2014 was chosen from over 140 entries by a judging panel from NOAH, with the help of two guest judges Marie Carter, Editor of Pets Magazine and Sarah Kidby from PetFocus who selected the shortlist.

Lily’s athletic abilities and spirited nature caught the attention of the judges during the competition, which ran as part of the organisation’s Happy, Healthy Pets Project – an online gallery aiming to build the UK’s largest ever picture of pet health. Following its launch in 2015, the Happy Healthy Pets Project now stands at over 2,000 fantastic images of much-loved pets from all over the UK, making it the biggest gallery of its kind and helping put owners in the picture when it comes to pet health by directing them to independent, expert advice on pethealthinfo.org.uk.

Lily’s proud owner Mairead Hughes of Armagh, Northern Ireland says: “I’m absolutely delighted and proud to hear that Lily has won the Active Pets competition. Lily was rescued from a puppy farm in June 2014 at the age of 18 months and I fell for her immediately. She is a joy to have as my companion and loves the outdoors so it’s wonderful that her playful, active nature has been recognised in this way!”

NOAH Chief Executive, Dawn Howard comments: “Judging by the number and quality of entries we’ve received for the competition, it’s not just pet owners who love to keep fit and active, but their pets too. We spotted Lily’s sporty potential straight away and are delighted to name her as our active pets winner. We hope her picture and athletic outlook inspires other pets and owners alike. Helping our pets to get active plays a vital role in their physical and mental wellbeing – all part of the ‘Happy Healthy Pet’ our photo gallery promotes. Whatever your pet’s favourite activity, it’s important that all animals are given an environment where they can live happily and healthily and benefit from the exercise they need. It’s encouraging to see so many pictures of pets in the UK doing just that.”

Marie Carter, Editor of Pets Magazine who shortlisted Lily to win the competition comments: “All of the entries were of such a high standard that it was extremely difficult to choose finalists and an eventual winner. Our winner Lily looks so happy in this photo. She’s running so fast, she’s taken off! Her ears are flying and she’s sporting a huge grin. She must be chasing her owner who has treats, or else a squirrel! Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are wrongly judged as lap dogs but, as this photo proves, they can be very sporting dogs who just so happen to like a nice warm lap too!”

For more information or to submit photos to NOAH’s Happy, Healthy Pets Gallery, simply visit www.pethealthinfo.org.uk.

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