A dog that traded the streets of Minsk for the famous green carpet of Crufts won plenty of new fans with a semi-final finish.

Eleanor Bowness, from Kingston on Soar, rescued crossbreed Bella Rose from a life of abuse in Belarus before striking up a close bond.

The two-year-old supports Bowness, 29, with her mental health after she previously struggled to leave the house.

The pair have rebuilt their confidence together and then shone at Scruffts, the competition for non-pedigree dogs.

“Crufts has been phenomenal. Just being here is the main thing,” said Bowness.

“When we entered the heat we never expected to be here – not many people can say they have been in the main ring at Crufts.

“I was suicidal when we found her and she has without a doubt saved my life. I wouldn’t be here without her. 

“I was completely housebound; I wasn’t talking to anyone apart from immediate family – and I wasn’t talking to them much at all. 

“I was never the person that would talk to strangers but so many people were interested in her she got me talking to people.”

The duo’s success at the world’s greatest dog show demonstrates the transformative impact of pets, with the former science teacher now dedicating her life to helping others working with charity RAD Assistance Dogs.

“In 2021 I was really struggling with my mental health and got lost in the system. Things were starting to take a bad turn so we started looking into assistance dogs,” she added.

“We found a rescue centre called PawHelpUK and they rescue dogs from Belarus and Ukraine. We saw Bella Rose on there and it was like love at first sight.

“She came from the streets of Minsk in Belarus, and we can tell from her behaviour that she had a really rough start in life. 

“She was shot at from motorbikes, hung off a fence, beaten and hit. She did the 48-hour journey over from the UK and we picked her up at half 11 at night.

“I am still struggling, working up bit by bit. I used to be a secondary school science teacher but since having Bella I have become absorbed in the dog world. 

“I left that role and now work part-time as a dog trainer, and I am hoping to do a masters in animal behaviour.”

Crufts, run by The Kennel Club, is a unique celebration of happy, healthy dogs and of the loving relationship that they enjoy with their owners. Crufts is held from 9-12 March 2023 at the NEC Birmingham. Viewers can follow all the action and highlights on Channel 4 and More4, and for further information and tickets visit crufts.org.uk