'Lyra and I never expected to be a part of Crufts'

A woman said being given the "platform" to show off her dog's skills in the Crufts para-obedience display was something she "never expected".

Megan Green, 25, from Crick, Northamptonshire, and her assistance dog Lyra, took part in the world's most famous dog show at the NEC, Birmingham, on Thursday.

Green uses a wheelchair and said the para-obedience class - a specialised competition for handlers with disabilities - meant the pair could compete on a "level playing field".

She said she was invited to take part in a demonstration display to prove "you can still have fun at competing despite having potential mobility issues".

More than 18,600 canines from across the globe will take part in Crufts dog show, which runs until Sunday.

Green has had Lyra since 2022, adding: "I knew an assistance dog would be very helpful for me."

She said Lyra presses elevator buttons for her, helps pick up and fetch items and will always bring her mobile phone to her even "if you don't want it".

"We're trying to make a platform where people with mobility issues can still compete in obedience in a way that's suitable for them on a level playing field.

"The demonstration will show what we're doing and show that you can still have fun despite having potential mobility issues.

"I genuinely never expected this to happen," she said.

She said heel work can be harder for mobility dogs "as if she gets that close to my chair she's going to get run over".

Green attributed her newfound confidence to Lyra and said her help has meant she has finished a university degree and has now started a PhD.

"I don't think I would be the person I am now without her.

"I'm wanting to fulfil her in what she wants to do, she's very much a dog that likes to learn.

"It's pushed me to go out the house more and that's built my confidence and made me realise I can do more than I thought I could do," she added.

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