News
Susan’s Crufts hope for Lady
A PEMBROKESHIRE dog lover admits making the final in the Kennel Club’s Eukanuba Friends for Life competition at Crufts 2016 would be the icing on the cake after nominating her special pooch for a spot in the prestigious contest.
Susan Cooper has put forward her Carpathian/Husky cross Lady who she rescued from one of the notorious Romanian dog shelters in April 2015.
The Kennel Club’s Eukanuba Friends for Life competition celebrates heart-warming stories of friendship in adversity, where dogs have truly earned the title of man’s best friend, through bravery, support or companionship.
The bond has proved to be a two-way relationship too with Susan, of Old Granary, having trained Lady to be a fully fledged therapy dog.
Such has been the turnaround for Lady, she now is trained to assist bed-ridden residents and the 56-year-old admits it is the highlight of their week.
“I rescued her from what can only be described as a Romanian kill shelter; they kill dogs in the most dreadful way,” she said.
“She needed a chance and so this is why I decided to rescue her before she was attacked.
“She does everything and anything I ask from her.
“It is really quite a story how far she has come. She could have been dead in Romania but she has come on leaps and bounds.
“She is the most wonderful dog and a wonderful companion. She does agility training now and is doing really well.
“I’d love for her to make the final or even win. What this dog has done for the community is amazing. Crufts is just the top when it comes to the dog world. It would be a dream come true.”
Susan and Lady will be hoping for another trip out for the Kennel Club’s Eukanuba Friends for Life showpiece on Sunday March 13 at Birmingham’s NEC.
Crufts, run by the Kennel Club, is a unique celebration of happy, healthy dogs and will this year be celebrating its 125th anniversary.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club spokesperson, said: “Susan and Lady are thoroughly deserving of this nomination and the Kennel Club wishes them luck in the Eukanuba Friends for Life competition.
“We have been honoured to hear about the hundreds of dogs throughout the UK who are making a profound difference to people’s lives.
“Crufts is the world’s best known dog stage and encourage anybody who thinks that their dog’s loyalty, friendship or bravery has made a difference to their life, or the lives of others, to get in touch. Each and every one of the finalists has helped to change and save lives in their own unique and special way.”
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
-
News1 day ago
Ferry accident causes delay on new Dublin-Fishguard route
-
Top News5 days ago
Pembrokeshire man jailed after repeatedly punching pregnant wife
-
Top News5 days ago
Police investigate dogs seen persistently chasing sheep on Pembrokeshire airfield
-
News6 days ago
Dyfed-Powys Police launches attempted murder investigation
-
News6 days ago
Heroes of the storm: How Council workers rallied during rare red wind warning
-
Top News5 days ago
Milford man dealt ‘persistent’ blows on girlfriend after urinating in flat
-
News6 days ago
Engine room fire caused by loose fuel pipe connection previously flagged
-
News5 days ago
Children seen kicking and ‘egging’ doors near Pembrokeshire train station in early hours