THE STAFFORD KNOT, INC. 501(C)3 Watchman V by Helen Reaney

This year has been a very bred by another couple of difficult one for our beloved good friends, Steve and Breed with a lot of negative Christine Whitehouse. press both in the UK and overseas. However I feel Earlier this year Watchman compelled to write about this V, along with his handler, subject because it shows the Greg Hedges. was put Breed at its very best. forward for the Westminster Dog of the The Staffordshire Regiment Year and anyone could based in Lichfield vote on-line for him. Staffordshire, not far from Everyone on social media where I live, have its mascot shared the post to as the Staffordshire Bull encourage people to vote Terrier. The current and as the day drew close Watchman is Watchman V no one knew how he and who was bred by my best his handler Greg would do. friends, Karon and Wayne Jackson. What a truly Social Media went into remarkable honour. This dog meltdown when the results has for many years served were announced. He’d his country at many events gone and won it. What a promoting the Regiment. but truly fantastic achievement also the Breed. for the Breed, the handler, for Watchman, and of In one of the photos you will course for Karon and see Karon with the young Wayne Jackson. Watchman V with the outgoing Watchman IV who was

10 THE STAFFORD KNOT, INC. 501(C)3 CONTINUED Watchman V by Helen Reaney

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STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER SGT WATCHMAN V IS CROWNED POOCH OF THE PEOPLE AT WESTMINSTER DOG OF THE YEAR

There was a worthy winner showed he really is the in Westminster today as Sgt people’s pooch after receiving Watchman V, a six year old Staffordshire Bull a staggering number of votes via the Kennel Terrier who is the mascot of the Staffordshire Club’s website. This year was the toughest year Regiment, won a convincing victory after being yet for MPs and their canine candidates with a voted for by the public in the annual record number of votes in the run up to the big Westminster Dog of the Year competition’s event. The worthy winner, Sgt Watchman V, ‘paw-blic’ vote category. beat over 20 paw-litical opponents to scoop the paw-blic vote title, following a well-fought Sgt Watchman V, who is much loved by the social media battle for victory. people of Staffordshire, entered the event with MP for Cannock Chase, but The MPs entering the competition was also supported by Andrew Griffiths MP for campaigned hard, canvassing for votes from Burton, MP for South the public. This year, the event focused on the Staffordshire, MP for need for education to ensure that children Lichfield, MP for Tamworth understand how to act safely around dogs. and Jeremy Lefroy MP for Stafford. The public was asked to vote for the political The competition, organised by the Kennel pooch they deemed to be the most deserving Club and Dogs Trust, took place today based on their canine credentials through their (Thursday, 8th September), in Victoria Tower canine CVs which include a series of questions Gardens, Westminster, where the winner of the put to the MP and their dog. Paw-blic vote was crowned alongside the overall competition winner. Sgt Watchman V 12 THE STAFFORD KNOT, INC. 501(C)3 CONTINUED

STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER SGT WATCHMAN V IS CROWNED POOCH OF THE PEOPLE AT WESTMINSTER DOG OF THE YEAR

Amanda Milling, MP for Watchman has also won local Cannock Chase, said: praise. Michael Perks, owner “Watchman did a fantastic job and did the of Head 2 Tails Grooming and Pet Supplies in county proud. Winning the public vote was by Hednesford, offered his congratulations on no means a small task. It is a testament to his winning first place and has offered Sgt importance to the people of Staffordshire and Watchman V free grooming and food for the the Black Country, including veterans of the rest of his life. Staffordshire Regiment and 3 Mercian. He also has a very local connection to Cannock Chase Leading the opposition in second place at as his family line is from Cannock.” the event was nine month old Lurcher Milo, belonging to Rebecca Harris, MP for Castle Watchman handler, Greg Hedges, said: Point, with a place in the (trophy) cabinet “Taking part in the event has been a great awarded to a Dogs Trust rescue Dachshund experience and the competition has done puppy, Fiona, and Liz Saville-Roberts, MP for important work to raise the profile of many of Dwyfor Meirionnydd in third. the issues facing Watchman’s four legged friends. Thank you to everyone who voted for Watchman, it is such a joy to know so many people gave him their support.”

Press release from the Kennel club for further information www.thekennelclub.org.uk

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