News / Fenton in running to be Scotland’s dog ambassador
A LOCAL Shetland sheepdog has been selected from over 200 canines as a finalist for a nationwide dog ambassador competition.
VisitScotland has whittled down entrants to its “Ambassadog” project to just nine – and Lerwick woman Kaylee Robertson’s four year old Sheltie Fenton has made the grade.
The organisation wants to find a dog that “conveys the spirit of Scotland”, with the winner set to represent the country at UK-wide events.
It is currently running a Facebook vote to discover the public’s favourite of the nine pooches, although the judges’ decision is final.
Fenton was bred by Lorraine Jamieson in Burra and is one of four Shetland sheepdogs under Robertson’s wing.
The trainee ambulance technician got the dog after her family collie died of bone cancer a few years earlier, and she hasn’t looked back since.
“Fenton has taken me to places in Shetland I had no idea existed and encouraged me to know more about the islands through the many walks we have together,” Robertson said.
Ambassadog Nominee – Fenton, Shetland from Butterfly Films on Vimeo.
“She’s also helped me to up my dog photography skills and has been a regular face on many local social media pages. Her personality is adventurous, fun and very loving.”
Twenty six year old Robertson was inspired to enter the competition as a result of her “sheer love” of dogs, as well as a desire to represent and promote her home islands.
“I hoped it would bring some further interest in the isles, specifically aimed at dog owners,” she said.
“Shetland is a wonderful place to own a dog – there is some fantastic places to walk them from long endless rolling hills to clear white sands on picturesque beaches.
“I’m hoping that Fenton’s involvement in the competition will also encourage more places in Shetland to become dog-friendly.”
Robertson and Fenton are due to meet VisitScotland’s judging panel in Edinburgh this weekend ahead of its final decision.
The winner and their animal friend will also receive an “exclusive, inspirational and unique dog-friendly holiday” in Scotland.
Thankfully, it seems Robertson’s other canines Thiago, Thorin and Gimli aren’t too jealous of Fenton’s new-found notoriety.
“My other dogs are proud that their big sister is having her moment of fame,” she said.
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