THE 'special bond' between a Worcester woman and her Cocker Spaniel was on display as the pair triumphed at Crufts.

Georgie Lott and her 'dog in a million' Cocker Spaniel Eadie made their first-ever appearance at Crufts after bonding during lockdown.

Ms Lott had looked to get a dog during lockdown to combat loneliness and now, five years later, the two secured a Medium ABC agility win at Crufts. 

"It has been unreal. Eadie came second this morning in the jumping class, and in this afternoon's agility, she won, which is just amazing for a dog of her age. It's insane," said the 37-year-old.

"We've got a really special bond. She reads me like a book and just knows how I'm feeling.

"It's even more special being able to share it with her. She deserves this, and she's a dog in a million.

"Eadie has always loved to work. They come wanting to learn.

"Ever since we got her, she has been like a sponge, feeding off everything, so anything she can embraces it all."

Crufts is a unique celebration of happy, healthy dogs and their loving relationship with their owners.

The three-year-old canine, nicknamed The Unicorn, underwent a vigorous fitness plan with her owner to reach her winning potential. 

"It's brilliant for growing in your independence, having fun with your dog, it's a great hobby as well because it's not necessarily about running the fastest," she added.

"Loads of different people and breeds can get into it and it's a nice way of mentally stimulating them as well as physically working them.

"I've been on a big fitness plan since I qualified for Crufts in December because I didn't want to let her down.

"She's a really fast dog, and I was determined not to constantly be 20 metres behind her. All of the maintenance of her fitness, the hill walking, and the sprints have really helped me, too."

Crufts, run by The Kennel Club, has been classed as one of the world's greatest dog shows.

It recognises the varied roles that dogs play in society and highlights the many different disciplines and activities for dogs and owners.

Crufts is held from Thursday, March 7 to Sunday, March 10 at the NEC in Birmingham.