An Ely dog owner who suffers from chronic pain and competed at this year's Crufts said her pets give her a “reason to get up in the morning”.
Donna Wallis has undergone multiple back and neck operations since 2007 and got a dog in 2014 – a miniature schnauzer called Darcie – to help aid with her mobility.
Since then, the 52-year-old has fallen in love with the breed and started showing in 2022, competing at Crufts for the first time the following year.
“She [Darcie] saved me in so many ways,” said Wallis, who previously worked at a law firm Taylor Wessing.
“Everything happens for a reason. I would not have had the time to invest in a dog previously, but I wish I got a dog earlier.
“I got my first dog [Darcie] for the health benefits post-surgery as an incentive to get mobile and to increase my social connection. I was in quite a dark place at that time. I was suffering and grieving from the life I had to leave because of the surgeries.
“And then I fell in love with Darcie and the breed. I found that I wanted to invest in the breed’s future which meant breeding to produce health puppies. I had always said ‘I do not have time to show’ and then of course I got bitten by the bug.
“It [going to shows with a dog] is a big investment of your time but the rewards are just phenomenal. As you become more involved, you get embedded into the breed and the welfare of the dogs more and more. The more you learn about it, and the requirements, the more you enjoy it.
“The dogs gave me a purpose. They gave me strength. They gave me love. They are my reason to get up in the morning.”
The pair competed in the yearling and post-graduate classes.
Two of Donna's other miniature schnauzers – 11-month-old Norris and three-and-a-half-year-old Raymond – also competed at Crufts alongside shower Nic Gill and she was full of praise for her dogs and Nic.
“They have been phenomenal,” said Donna. “Showing at Crufts is the holy grail. To be on the hallowed green carpet is a mark of achievement that you are going about things the right way. It is like a stamp of recognition.
“I could not be more proud of Nic and her boys [Norris and Raymond]. She is an exceptional shower; she adores her dogs, and I am immensely proud.
“And then for my girls, it is all encompassing. The girls like going out there and strutting their stuff. They enjoy showing and I enjoy showing them.”
Donna, who is also a volunteer for Therapy Dogs Nationwide, appreciated the quality of the other dogs competing.
“Just to qualify for Crufts is an achievement,” she added. “We are winners [already]. The 145 Miniature Schnauzers there were some of the best dogs within breed. So, to even be on the green carpet was a win for me.
“I do consider that I have won to have just taken part, and I enjoyed the day for what it was.”
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