Bella can be a complete and utter looney but in the best way, and I love her for it. She had so much energy but, from day 1, she wanted to be with me and wanted to learn.

Training
Because I work shift, I can't commit to regular lessons with Bella so progress was always going to be slower than others who train train train!

I am lucky enough to be a member and on the Committee of Souldern Agility Society, so I can train on my days off but always on my own.

Crufts 2025
The Valgrays Team was selected from people who applied via the the Valgrays Facebook Group. The dogs must have been doing agility already or, at least, trained. Val and Nikki must have been swamped by offers.

I know that Val tries to offer places to as many handlers with Valgrays dogs of all sizes as possible but there are also handlers from Battersea and Woodgreen in the rescue display. It is hard work but great fun.

Time in the main ring is short. The Crufts ring party sets up the course. There are only 20 minutes to do the demo and a short knockout display.

Only a small number of dogs are invited to attend so when I was invited to join the Valgrays team, I was delighted but, to be honest, I wasn't sure that Bella would...

1. Behave

2. Find it all too much!

As I get older, I am not looking at the dizzy heights of Champ. I am competing for fun. Good or bad, I was determined to enjoy it my runs. Happily, she proved me wrong - apart from one of the KO runs.

Bella took it all in her stride and didn't worry about anything. I absolutely loved running her on the big green carpet, and I am so proud of her and the bond we have.

Well done to the rest of the team including:-

• Sally Hatton-Savage with Harry

• Darren Sanders with Luna

• Nikki Joanne Whittingham with Freddie

• Val Hollingdale with Frank

Val and her daughter Nikki had organised everything so we all felt relaxed (sort of). Val did the commentary while Nikki kept the running orders in line and sorted out the paperwork, ring plan, sweaters and commentary etc.

Crufts 2025 was an amazing experience. A big shout to my partner Tim Fowler for grooming for me and to Val for entrusting me with my wild chocolate one. I was so proud to be able to showcase to the nation all the hard work that Valgrays does.

Please follow Valgrays Border Collie Rescue on the socials and, if you can spare a few pounds send a donation to help Val and her team as every little helps find amazing homes for dogs like Bella.

About the author...
Helen Wilkie started agility over 30 years ago with her first collie, Blue. Her son Alex was five at the time and had a terrier called Buster. They started lessons with her school friend Jane James and got totally hooked.

She's had quite a few collies over the years but moved on to Cockers 14 years ago.

Helen currently has five dogs - Breeze, a cocker (now retired), her younger sister Sky (also retired) and Bayley, the Jack Russell, who belongs to Alex. Her zooming Lurcher Poppy has to have the right weather conditions, the right ground and her ears work but then she is totally awesome.

She works for Ocado as an area co-ordinator.

First published 31st March 2025

The Road to Crufts 2025

On her first day in her new home

Valgrays kit on the day

Being interviewed by E4

In the ring