A BRENTWOOD boy has won a special award at Crufts for the loving care he gave his dog.
Four-year-old Nicholas Skidmore was handed the Young Kennel Club's Shaun McAlpine Outstanding Young Person Award last Sunday, March 3.
He is the youngest winner of the award in its 25-year history.
Nicholas, a pupil at St Helen's Catholic Infant School, Sawyers Hall Lane, entered the Young Kennel Club Ring at the final day of the Crufts dog show at the Birmingham NEC.
He was up against 22 other young people up to the age of 24.
All those shortlisted were chosen for their passion and dedication in either training, helping or working with dogs.
Nicholas was nominated following the death of his German Shepherd Wolfey, who was well-known around the town for his canine modelling.
As Wolfey grew older, Nicholas was especially responsible in caring for his pet.
Nicholas' mother, Joanna Skidmore, said: "We lost our dog last year to a spinal condition – he had to be put to sleep and it was heart-breaking.
"Nicholas and Wolfey had a great relationship. Wolfey was amazing with Nicholas and kept an eye on him as a baby.
"He was really responsible with Wolfey as he got older; he was aware of the need to be calm and gentle as he was less active. He would make sure Wolfey was happy by fetching him toys and helped with grooming to keep him comfortable."
Mrs Skidmore explained that when Wolfey died James was very brave.
She said: "He asked lots of questions which helped him to understand what had happened. He now openly talks about Wolfey but knows sadly he passed away.
"Nicholas remembers the happy times and included Wolfey in his animal project at nursery and showed his friends. When meeting other dog owners, Nicholas shows a great sense of pride to tell them about Wolfey and the fun they shared together."
Ed and Cindy McAlpine have presented the Shaun McAlpine Trophy and awards at Crufts in memory of their son Shaun, who was killed in a road accident two weeks after his 22nd birthday in November 1984. The trophy is awarded annually to encourage young dog lovers to become more involved in dog activities, as Shaun himself was a successful dog handler.
On the day of the competition Nicholas took a family friend's dog, named Gismo, who is a four-year-old Jack Russell, into the ring. Gismo is a canine actor and appears in the Harveys Furniture television advert.
Mrs Skidmore added: "Nicholas was very excited and won a rosette, award and goodie bag."
