Dog working with Milton Keynes charity to help identify scent of bowel cancer set to perform demonstration at Crufts
A dog working with a Milton Keynes charity to help identify the scent of bowel cancer is set to perform as part of a demonstration in the main arena during this year’s Crufts dog show.
Rosie, a three-year-old Labrador, is being trained in the bio-detection department at Medical Detection Dogs, a charity based in Great Horwood, which has the mission of saving and enhancing lives using its dogs sense of smell.
Rosie has been with the charity since she was eight weeks old and works with her handler Claire Dowse, learning how to identify the scent of bowel cancer within urine samples.
As part of preparations for appearing at Crufts, which takes place at the NEC in Birmingham from March 5 to 9, Rosie is doing lots of training and being groomed to look her best.
She is also eating a very specific diet, featuring breakfast measured to the gram, with a breed-specific formula featuring specially adapted fat and protein levels.
Rosie is also able to enjoy specially designed kibble, which encourages slower eating, and supports digestion.
As well as good nutrition, healthy treats also play an important role in training, acting as a reward for each time Rosie correctly identifies a sample.
Rosie’s diet is prepared with support from Royal Canin, a company that provides tailored health nutrition for dogs and cats.
Her handler Claire said: “Royal Canin’s science-backed nutrition keeps her ready, focused and energised, prepared for the work day and to head to Crufts.”
Claire will accompany Rosie in Crufts’ main arena on Saturday March 7 for a demonstration of canine scent detection.