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BARLEY STEALS THE AGILITY SHOW

A TWO-YEAR-OLD dog from Stranraer stole the show at a major agility trial in Yorkshire last weekend.

Barley, a working cocker owned by Mike Afia of the town's London Road, swept aside competition from 400 other dogs to claim his first ever top award at the Barnard Castle show.

He completed a tough circuit in an amazing 36.2 seconds, leaving poor Mike gasping for breath in his wake! More importantly, however, Barley's run was void of any faults.

After the show-stopping performance, owner Mike told the Free Press that even he was amazed at his dog's ability.

"On the day, Barley was absolutely spot on, and to come out on top of about 400 other dogs was something else.

We got a very good time but Barley was the first dog to clear the circuit without making any errors so that was pleasing.

We have had a number of top six finishes in recent months but this was his first ever top award."

Barley, who turns three later this year, excelled himself to the extent that he left two world championship contenders scrapping for second place as he strode majestically to the gold award.

Now Mike, who owns Galloway Carpet Centre in the town, is considering whether to take his best friend onto the next level and international competition.

"Barley never stops amazing me and maybe we will go for the world agility trials next year," he said.

" Barley has such high energy levels and jumps so high, he has always had that energy and I wanted to channel it in some kind of direction. The awards just keep coming."