Meet Enzo, the rehomed Retriever who went on to storm Crufts
When the Heffernan family from Gibbstown decided to get a dog and spotted a gorgeous Golden Retriever on the Meath Pound Facebook page, little did they think their new pet would bring them to the prestigious Crufts dog show.
Michael, wife Tanya and children Liam (10) and Sarah (7) were overjoyed when 'Enzo'- or 'Cummac Pastures of Gold' to give him his show name - qualified for Crufts and were even more overwhelmed when he picked up two prizes.
When Enzo joined the family, the Heffernans just wanted a pet and had no intention of showing him. In fact, it was only when the breeders got in touch to see how the dog was getting on in its new home and pointed out 'Enzo's' potential that the thought even entered their heads.
Michael explained they got Enzo when he was nine months.
The family who owned him needed him rehomed and Michael came across the dog on Facebook.
It was only when breeders Margaret and Mairead Cummins from Wilkinstown got in touch that Michael became aware of Enzo's potential as a show dog.
There was huge excitement when Enzo, now two, qualified for Crufts from a show in Belfast and last weekend, Michael and Enzo travelled to Birmingham for the world's most prestigious dog show. Michael's mum Patricia also came to support them.
Never expecting to pick up a prize, Michael couldn't believe it when Enzo scooped two. “There were 45 dogs in his class and he came in second place. He was also third overall in the golden retriever group. It was very emotional. We weren't expecting it, there are so many top breeders there from all over the world. You never expect anything, you hope to be shortlisted at best but to be second is incredible.
“Never in a million years when we got him, did we think we would be showing him. We had no intention but it has been a new lease of life. Every other weekend you are all over the country.”
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