AN 11-year-old Peebles girl is looking forward to appearing at Crufts, the world’s greatest dog show next year.

Brooke Bain will be taking part in the under 12 agility event with her grandmother’s Catalan cross terrier Timmi.

Timmi was rescued in Spain and brought to the Borders in 2015 when he was only five months old.

Border Telegraph: Brooke Bain and Timmi - Photo Helen Barrington

He was owned by travellers in Spain but when he became ill he was taken to the veterinary hospital.

However after his treatment, his owners were unable to pay the bill and suggested that he be sent to the pound to be put to sleep.

Louise Carter, a nurse at the hospital decided to foster Timmi and nurse him back to good health until the SOS Dog Rescue charity could find him a forever home.

Border Telegraph: Timmi - Photo Helen Barrington

Jackie Bain said: “We already had Molly, a Catalan Sheepdog, and we were looking for a companion for her so we contacted SOS and were offered Timmi .

“After his basic training I introduced him to dog agility and was surprised to see how he quickly learned the skills and in 2017 he won Rescue Agility Scotland title. Over the next few years he became a grade 7 agility dog.

“I took my granddaughter Brooke to agility training with our coach Donna Jarvie she said that she was a natural.

“Brooke won her first show at Bowhill House earlier this year it was followed up with a victory at Kelso which insured a qualifier to Crufts.

“We are all very proud in all that she has achieved.”

Border Telegraph: Brooke Bain and Timmi - Photo Helen Barrington

Brooke said: “Crufts is a big competition and I am so excited although slightly nervous. There is much ahead for Timmi and I.

“I just cant express how proud I am. When we go to Crufts we are just going to enjoy ourselves and the experience.

“In the end no matter what happens I am so proud of how far we have come big thanks to my gran and granddad and coach Donna.

“And a huge thanks to Mr and Mrs Wynyard and family at Stobo Castle for sponsoring us.”

Last year Jackie rescued another dog Monty a Kokoni, from Romania, who and has settled with Molly and Timmi in his forever home.

Jackie added: “There are so many dogs needing homes they make wonderful companions so if you are looking to buy a puppy or adult dog please consider a rescue you won’t regret it.”