THE Frome Times Cutest Pet competition has been won by six-year old Pomeranian dog, Pookie.
Hundreds of votes were received in the special competition organised to celebrate National Pet Month, which aims to raise awareness of responsible pet ownership and encourage fundraising for the nation’s needy pets.
61 pets in Frome battled it out to be crowned the cutest, but it was Pomeranian Pookie, owned by Clare and Iain Coombes, who stole the hearts of Frome Times readers.
“It’s absolutely brilliant,” said owner Clare, who describes Pookie as her ‘little sidekick’. “It’s a proud moment – Pookie is ecstatic! We were surprised to win though as the votes were so close, it was touch and go!”
Pookie has been with Clare and her husband Ian since they rescued him from Essex when he was around a year old.
“He’s a perfect little dog,” said Clare. “Sometimes rescue dogs can be a bit of a handful, but he’s brilliant little dog – and a real favourite with my nine grandchildren.”
For winning, Pookie and his owner Clare were given a hamper from Frome pet shop, Not Just Pets, which was presented to them by manager Wendy Robinson.
“Pookie already absolutely loves his squeaky penguin from the hamper – he worships it,” Clare told Frome Times, a few days after the presentation. “I found it hidden under my bed this morning!”
As for what’s next for Pookie, Frome Times asked Clare if her four-legged sidekick has his sights set on other competitions, such as Crufts Dog Show. “He’s too naughty for Crufts!” said Clare. “But he’s a little star when we visit the Cheese Show – he’s quite a famous dog in Frome, as he’s always with me when I’m out and about in town.”