In a week's time, Members of the Senedd (MSs) and their canines will go head-to-head for the inaugural 'Senedd Dog of the Year' 2024 title.
This follows after the popular Westminster Dog of the Year and Holyrood Dog of the Year contests.
Among the nominees, are dogs owned by three North Wales Senedd Members.
Conservatives Janet Finch-Saunders, MS for Aberconwy, and Darren Millar, Clwyd West, have high hopes for their Welsh Collie, Alfie, and Whippet, Blue, respectively.
They are up against Jack Sargeant, Labour, MS for Alyn & Deeside, with his Cavalier King Charlies Spaniel, Coco.
Ms Finch-Saunders said: “Alfie is an incredibly sweet companion, always tapping on the door to let us know he wants to come in from the garden and is best friends with my 2 year old boisterous grandson. Alfie is also a sailor and regularly enjoys paddle boarding with my daughter and loves swimming in the sea."
Talking about rescue dog Blue, Mr Millar said: "Blue really is a tonic at the end of a busy and long day. He always gets excited when any member of the family gets home, welcoming us with a wagging tail and leading us to the place where we keep his treats and biscuits!"
Mr Sargeant said: "Coco is affectionate and loving, the ultimate lapdog. She adores any attention and will say hello to anyone passing her by on her walks. She also sleeps on the pillow above my head each night and even her loud snoring is endearing.
"However, my favourite characteristic of all is her uncontrollable happy tail and bum wiggle when she sees me."
The event, scheduled for Thursday, May 23, will welcome dogs of all shapes, sizes, breeds and 'pawlitical' leanings as they strut their stuff alongside their MS owners at Brittania Park, Cardiff.
The competition, mutually organised by The Kennel Club and Dogs Trust, is a celebration of the special bond between man's best friend and their owners.
It offers an opportunity for MSs to take pride in their loyal canine associates and flaunt them before the public eye.
MSs are calling on their supporters to log on online and vote for their furry friends.
Additional judging at the event will assess contestants based on their good dog deeds and winning personalities, ultimately picking out one top dog.
To get in the mix, find more about the competing MSs and their dogs, and cast your vote, visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk/sdoty
The 2024 contenders in full:
Janet Finch-Saunders, Conservative MS for Aberconwy, and her Welsh Collie, Alfie
Darren Millar, Conservative MS for Clwyd West, and his Whippet, Blue.
Jack Sargeant, Labour MS for Alyn & Deeside, and his Cavalier King Charlies Spaniel, Coco
James Evans, Conservative MS for Brecon & Radnorshire, and his Cocker Spaniel, Bonnie
Jane Dodds, Lib Dem MS for Mid & West Wales, and her Greyhound, Wanda
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