Mount Noddy Animal Centre - The Sussex, Chichester and District Branch of the RSPCA

This is the winner of the heat of the RSPCA Dog of the Year and will go forward to the regional heat in September when people can vote on line for their favourite dog. Full details and photos and stories of all heat winners will feature on: www.rspca.org.uk/doty

SCHUMY'S DETAILS

Dog's Name: Schumy

Owner's Name: Helen Watling

Dog's Age: 7 years

Dog's Sex: Male

Length of time with you: 6 years

Breed: Lurcher

Colour: Black and White

Name of Rescue Home: Clymping Dog Sanctuary

Qualified for final at: Mount Noddy Dog Show

Area: Arundel, West Sussex

The moment I saw Schumy at Clymping Dog Sanctuary I fell for him immediately. He was thirteen months, full of fun and loved to run!

Schumy's history is vague. We know he'd had two owners who were unable to cope with him. He was destructive and clearly had no idea what a recall meant! He hated the car, was unable to settle and howled when left alone. By chance we discovered that he was frightened of men who wear caps and flinches when his ears are touched. My vet assures me this is a psychological issue, maybe he was tormented. After a few months Schumy began to settle down. Schumy visits my mum's house while I am at work and they are great company for each other.

The recall took a lot longer to resolve and he can still play up occasionally. I've spent many hours standing in the pouring rain trying to coax him back and at times he tried my patience to the limit. Not to mention my hair do! I always knew when we were going to have a problem I could read it in his body language, but gradually through love, consistency and loads of patience and hair spray he is now much better ALMOST perfect! He may look like butter wouldn't melt in his mouth but he has been a little devil!

From the first week of owning Schumy I took him to obedience classes and gradually he began to respond and a very strong bond developed between us. To this day I still take Schumy to these classes as he really loves going. In addition, I decided to take him to agility to give him the chance to do the things he loves most - RUN AND JUMP! Needless to say he can be very good.

Schumy is now seven and working together we have achieved our Gold Good Citizens Award, and we have great fun together. He is now a well-mannered dog and a pleasure to be with. He is my best friend.

Through Schumy and the activities we do together I have made lots of new friends and enjoy an extended social life so I have a lot to thank Schumy for. He has also brought a lot of pleasure to my mum who baby sits him for me, while I earn enough to keep Schumy in the lifestyle he has become accustomed to.