A young Scottish teen has taken home a top prize from Crufts alongside his pet dog who overcame a “rare form of cancer” to make it to the competition.
Diarmuid Sim, from Edinburgh, was heartbroken when his one-year-old Samoyed, Tayto, was diagnosed with a granulosa cell tumour in her ovaries in October.
The diagnosis came just months after Tayto, named after the popular Irish crisp brand, made her Crufts debut in 2023.
Tayto underwent two operations during her cancer treatment and has gone on to make a full recovery.
Beat Media/The Kennel Club“You never think that your dog is going to get cancer so it was quite a shock but she’s just powered on through and been really good.
“Her hair is still growing back underneath but it’s been a really speedy recovery and she’s been so brave”, Diarmuid said about Tayto.
As if the speedy recovery wasn’t enough, the pair made a heart-warming return to Crufts over the weekend and went on to win the “good citizen” prize at the national dog show.
The 13-year-old said he has a “good bond” with Tayto that helps a lot in the ring, adding that it was something they loved doing together.
“We love stepping into the ring, meeting other people and making new friends.
“Our breeder said to us that she comes from a showing bloodline and suggested some shows to us.
Colin Sim“We caught the showing bug and we’ve been going to ringcraft sessions to train and have been getting quite good at it,” he said.
Diarmuid’s dad Colin, 56, beamed with pride at his son and Tayto’s success saying that he and his wife, Nuala, can’t get over how well the pair have done.
“We had a moment where we thought this could be it and we were told to just make memories with Tayto. We’re so happy, this has been the best memory ever.
Mr Sim added that the family was just “very lucky” Tayto was still with them adding that she brings “a lot of smiles and so much joy”.
“It’s been a real worry but we’re thrilled that she’s made it through and recovered so well.
“The vet said she’s been through so much for such a young dog.
“She brings a lot of fluff, a lot of smiles and so much joy,” he said.
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
