Holyrood Dog of the Year 2022: Here are the 14 pawlitical pups in the running to win the Scottish Parliament's canine competition
It’s once again time for MSPs of all political persuasions to celebrate their four-legged friends.
Organised by the Kennel Club and Dogs Trust, the final of the Holyrood Dog of the Year competition is today (May 9), taking place at the Scottish Parliament Gardens.
The fun event aims to showcase dogs’ role as an important member of the family, the unique bond between dogs and their owners, and aims to promote responsible dog ownership.
Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, explained: "The Holyrood Dog of the Year competition is so much more than a canine beauty pageant. The competition is strictly apolitical; judges will be looking for the dogs' good deeds and devotion to their owner rather than policies or opinions.
It is a fun filled day out with an important message at its core – helping to promote dog welfare issues and encourage responsible ownership.”
Mark Beazley, Chief Executive of The Kennel Club, added: “Whilst the competition itself is no doubt a light-hearted and fun event, it is also an excellent opportunity to showcase the happiness that dogs can bring to our lives and to raise awareness of the actions that need to be taken – both in Parliament and beyond – to promote responsible dog ownership.”
Here are the 14 pups who will be hoping to claim this year’s title, and why their MSP owners think they should triumph.
Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, explained: "The Holyrood Dog of the Year competition is so much more than a canine beauty pageant. The competition is strictly apolitical; judges will be looking for the dogs' good deeds and devotion to their owner rather than policies or opinions.
5. Jamie Green and Astro
West Scotland Region MSP Jamie Greene says Astro has changed his life, explaining: "Astro arrived into the UK in the back of a bus from the rescue charity Paws2Rescue. He was born in Romania on the streets and most likely would have succumbed to starvation, accident, or worse. I feel privileged to be his human and to have brought him over here as a small puppy to live with me. He rescued me, not the other way around. He is always there for me, he listens to me, to humours me, and comforts me and he is my world."
Photo: Contributed
6. Liam McArthur and Gerry
Orkney MSP Liam McArthur's Springer Spaniel Gerry should take the title because: "Gerry is a poster child for springers everywhere, boasting a loyal, cross-party fanbase and following across social media. Daft as a brush, loyal as they come and 24 carat entertainment value, Gerry has the looks, ‘likes’ and lifestyle to set him apart. All he needs now is the crown."
Photo: Contributed
7. Jenni Minto and Jim
Argyll and Bute MSP Jenni Minto thinks Border Collie Jim should top this year's podium, explaining: "If you knew Jim, you wouldn’t have to ask! He returns our love and gives us so much fun in an otherwise complex and stressful world. Life is all the better for having Jim around."
Photo: Contributed
8. Mark Ruskell and Bluesy
Mid Scotland and Fife Region MSP Mark Ruskell reckons Greyhound Bluesy should be crowned top do, saying: "Bluesy would love to use the Holyrood Dog of the Year 2022 event as an opportunity to raise awareness of key animal welfare challenges and to advocate for strengthened and new rights for fellow furry friends especially her fellow greyhounds."
Photo: Contributed