Dudley, a five-year-old Hungarian Vizsla, is the winner of Clarks Village’s Pawsome Pooch competition – designed to find a canine ambassador for the dog-friendly Somerset shopping outlet following its Pawsome Pooch weekend.
The celebratory dog event saw thousands visit Clarks Village across two days to enjoy free professional pet photo shoots, pampering by ‘Britain’s Best Groomer’ Kelly Davies, agility and trick sessions, pawtraits by illustrator Alan Snow and displays by the Guide Dogs.
With 175 dogs entering the official Pawsome Pooch competition, Clarks Village’s top dog judges shortlisted just 10 to be put forward for a public vote on the outlet’s social media channels. More than a thousand voted and three-legged Dudley was announced as the winner, becoming Clarks Village’s new CEO (Canine Executive Officer).
Dudley, who has his own Instagram account @dudley_thetripawd_vizsla, lives with owners Kareen and Martin Higgins in Street along with their 23-year-old son Jack and poodle Max.
“Dudley was rescued from a breeder by local charity Paws4Thought as he was born with a deformed leg,” said Kareen. “As a dog foster family, we took him in and after having tests during the first week, the vet determined the best outcome for his leg was amputation. We picked him up that night and decided straight away he would never leave us. I cradled him in the back of the car and he just felt like mine; it was instant.”
The family live just two minutes away from Clarks Village and are regular visitors. Kareen’s history with Clarks Village dates back to the outlet’s opening day in 1993 when she was a store manager of the former Alexon & Dash. She has since been a full-time carer for son Jack who has Down’s Syndrome.
Kareen said: “Jack my son and dog Dudley are best friends. Max is Jack’s medical assistance dog who does a fantastic job but there is a relationship between Jack and Dudley which I just can’t explain – what they have is extraordinary.
“I reflect on how I’ve got a young man with Down’s Syndrome and a dog with a missing leg and they both make me so proud as they don’t let their disabilities stop them. Dudley is a good advocate for dogs with disabilities. He is such a character and he’s utterly fearless and unstoppable; he climbs, hikes and does everything a four-legged dog would do – it’s not held him back for a second. I’ve always wanted to hold Dudley up as an example of what a dog with disabilities can do and he’s the best example of that.
“We’re really honoured Dudley is going to represent Clarks Village. It’s an incredible place and such a good example of how to make somewhere dog friendly and safe, we love it.”
Dudley will be officially crowned as Clarks Village’s new Canine Executive Officer later this month, in charge of all things dog related at the outlet as well as winning a prize package worth over £500 for the family – including an overnight dog spa package at the dog-friendly Montigo Resorts Hotel.
Chris Davis, Centre Director of Clarks Village, commented: “Pawsome Pooch was a fantastic event to celebrate all the dogs that visit us here at Clarks Village. There were some wonderful entries shortlisted in the competition but Dudley stood out as a very special dog and it’s clear from the votes that our guests agree. We can’t wait to welcome him as Clarks Village’s official dog ambassador.”
For more information about Clarks Village including details of the free member reward scheme PLUS+, visit https://clarksvillage.co.uk/.
