A COVENTRY dog and her owner have won the coveted Best in Class award at Crufts.
Sunali and her two-year-old Tibetan Mastiff Athena took home the first place prize – a shock to Sunali as this is only the duo’s third competition.
She said: “I decided to try her in her first show last December and she came third. The judge was very impressed with her so I showed her again and she came first in her class.
“As a result of this she qualified for Crufts.”
Sunali has another Tibetan Mastiff called Odin, both of his parents are champions, but she had no intention of showing him as it was something she had never done before.
However she decided to take the plunge with Athena at her breeder’s insistence.
“I honestly had no expectation of her being placed at Crufts, but thought it would be fun to enter anyway.
“Imagine my surprise when she was given first in her class. I honestly could not believe it, I was in shock and shaking as I was handed the rosette and certificate.”
The judge told Sunali that Athena was an exceptional dog and would really excel with more practice.
Sunali added: “I am unimaginably proud of my girl.
“Athena, along with her brother Odin, are my life – everything I do revolves around them.
“She’s going to have a nice rest now and then we will get her to a couple of shows.”
