Meet the Gentle Giants: A Heartwarming Story from Crufts

As the annual Crufts event approaches, a dog owner from Ormskirk is eager to showcase her beloved “big friendly giants.” Stephanie Thom, 58, will bring her five deerhounds to the Discover Dogs exhibition, with a special highlight on the youngest, Phantom, who will participate in the prestigious Kennel Club’s Puppy Foundation display.

Making a Difference in the Community

Two of Ms. Thom's eldest dogs, Rani and Ru, play a crucial role in the Bark Smart programme, visiting schools to educate children on safe dog behavior. Their contributions to the community extend further as they also support the Pet Blood Bank, alongside their younger companions, Dava and Ianthe, who have achieved Bronze, Silver, and Gold Good Citizen Awards from the Kennel Club.

The Joy of Crufts

For Ms. Thom, the excitement of Crufts lies in the opportunity to introduce people to deerhounds who may never have seen one before. She expresses her joy in sharing the experience of these gentle giants, who, despite their size, possess a small and cuddly demeanor. Her dedication to this breed shines through, as she has been showcasing dogs for over 11 years and has had remarkable successes at Crufts, including multiple prizes for her dogs in various categories.

The Healing Power of Dogs

Beyond their community service, Thom's dogs are vital to her mental well-being. Struggling with anxiety and depression, she credits her dogs for giving her a reason to rise each morning. They offer her emotional support, often sensing when she is feeling low and staying close to her in those moments. “They know when I’m feeling down and they’ll come up and sit beside me,” she recounts, highlighting the intrinsic bond she shares with her canine companions.

The upcoming Crufts event promises to be a celebration of love, companionship, and the positive impact dogs have on our lives. Scheduled from March 5-8, 2025, at the NEC Birmingham, this occasion will showcase not only the beauty of dogs but also the deep connections they foster with their owners. Tune in to Channel 4 and More4 for all the action and learn more about this incredible event at crufts.org.uk.