Wirral owner wins at Crufts with border collie Maisie

Six-year-old Maisie’s future as a prize-winning obedience and agility dog was in danger as cataracts, caused by her diabetes, were sending her blind.

She had surgery at Linnaeus-owned Eye Vet, in Sutton Weaver, Cheshire and recovered in time to win four top prizes at Crufts.

Competing in this year’s Crufts, Maisie took first place in Young Kennel Club (YKC) 18-24 years Intermediate Heelwork category, the YKC Overall Heelwork and YKC Good Citizen Pre-Beginners Obedience 18-24 years category, as well as scooping the overall YKC Good Citizen Pre-Beginners Obedience prize.

Owner Jenny Witt, 23, from the Wirral, says it was a remarkable achievement after such a traumatic ordeal.

Jenny said: "Maisie was diagnosed with diabetes four years ago and sadly she then developed cataracts in both eyes as a result.

"It started to have a dramatic effect on her eyesight last summer (2022) with her vision deteriorating quickly.

"She couldn’t see things properly. Even when I waved my hand in front of her face, she didn’t focus on it.

"It was also obvious when she was running agility courses and training. She couldn’t see the jumps or was confused by shadows across the course.

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"I was really worried and even more concerned when the vets explained she’d need an operation on both of her eyes.

"I was anxious about whether the operation would be a success, the long and careful recovery period after surgery and, of course, whether Maisie would ever be able to compete again."

Maisie with all of her awards (Image: Richard Moss Furtography)

Maisie's surgery was a 'complete success'

Maisie was cared for by Eye Vet director Iona Mathieson, an advanced practitioner in veterinary ophthalmology, and the surgery was a complete success.

Iona said: "Maisie’s blindness was due to cataracts in both eyes caused by her diabetes.

"Surgery went very well and she made a good recovery. She was very visual and alert once again and we’re delighted she’s made such a successful return to winning ways at Crufts."

Jenny added: "We won the obedience class, we won in my age category and we won overall which is amazing, given her lack of practice."

She also praised Iona and Eye Vet, saying: "The care, the treatment, the support and the aftercare were all amazing.

"I can’t thank Iona and the team enough and I’d definitely recommend them. They still keep in touch with us even now."