'My dog thinks the world is going to Crufts to see him': Tipton woman's beloved dachshund Ignatius aims to be the star of the show
A railway worker from Tipton whose assistance dog gets her through the day both at home and at work will be looking for further success when they return to Crufts together next month.
Lillie Abbot, aged 44, is an accessibility delivery manager with West Midlands and London Northwestern Railway and will be taking four-year-old Ignatius to the world’s largest dog show next month for a third time.
Ignatius is a miniature long-haired dachshund and is believed to be the first of his breed to qualify as an assistance dog through the charity Dog A.I.D.
He helps Mrs Abbot with everyday tasks such as emptying the washing machine, helping her to dress and undress and pick things dropped on the floor – although his small size means working light switches are a leap too far.
Ignatius will be competing in the obedience final at Crufts in his group, Dachtastic, as well as being part of the Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme display team.
Mrs Abbot said: “He is absolutely full of sass. There is so much attitude in that tiny body it is unbelievable, and he does literally think the world is going to Crufts to see him.
“This will be his second year doing the Good Citizen display and his second year doing the obedience final – although the sausages in the obedience final are more there for the entertainment than anything else.
“But he has a lot of personality and he also has a renowned move where in the bed race they all have to run to their beds, and he humps his bed in the main arena non-stop.
“You can imagine I have to try and drag him across the main arena while he’s doing that, and everyone finds it very funny.”
Ignatius also accompanies Mrs Abbot to work, which includes being part of a train’s crew, meaning he travels with her from as far as Liverpool to London Euston.
He also came first in his puppy class at Crufts when he was younger, and Mrs Abbot, who has been involved in dog sport for 20 years, can’t wait to take him back to Birmingham.
She said: “I’ve been involved with Crufts for many years and he absolutely adores the competitions – he just thinks it’s the best thing.
“The moment he is performing, the world is there to see him, nobody else, just purely him, and his sass truly comes out.
“Personally, I adore being able to see all of the dogs and all the different breeds – I’m like a little girl in a sweet shop and I love that it’s such a family show.”
Crufts, run by The Kennel Club, is being held from March 5-8 at the NEC Birmingham. Viewers can follow all the action and highlights on Channel 4 and More4, or for further information and tickets visit crufts.org.uk
