Nicknamed 'Norwich Pudsey' by local children who love watching him perform tricks, 12-year-old rescue dog Parker has won hundreds of rosettes and trophies since he went to his first show nine years ago.

Eastern Daily Press: Parker, the pet of Stephanie Israel, who has won over 100 rosettes at shows.Photo by Simon Finlay.Parker, the pet of Stephanie Israel, who has won over 100 rosettes at shows.Photo by Simon Finlay. (Image: Archant Norfolk.)

The Kerry Blue terrier was just two years old when his owner, Stephanie Adams, got him from a rescue centre in Suffolk.

He came from a couple whose baby was unwell and the doctor told them they could no longer keep Parker and their other Kerry Blue, Cherry.

Ms Adams, of Campbell Court, said she had never been 'into' dog showing, but was curious about what was involved and was keen to meet other Kerry Blues.

She took Parker to his first show at Scottow Hall in 2003, where he won every class he was entered into and took home a large Best in Show trophy, 15kg of dog food and an array of plush rosettes. Since then, Parker has won Best in Show eight times, seven Best Veteran awards, two reserve Best in Show, four reserve Veteran awards and more than 100 red rosettes for first placing in his class.

He also has awards and trophies for obedience, agility and heelwork to music – and a Kennel Club Good Citizens Gold award.

'I just thought I would take him to a show, not expecting to win anything and that was his first Best in Show,' said Ms Adams. 'When you start winning, you think 'this is quite good' and I have made some nice friends from it as well.'

She puts Parker's success down to his temperament and the strong bond they have.

'He is just one in a million,' she said.

'He has got such a good temperament, I have put a lot of time in with him and we have got such a good bond. People comment on it when we are out on walks. If you put a lot of time in with a dog, you can take them anywhere.'

Ms Adams said Parker was good with children and had even helped save a duckling stuck in mud at Whitlingham Broad.

'My husband and I took him for a walk at Whitlingham and Parker was at water's edge barking,' she said.

'We didn't know what was there, but there was a duckling stuck in mud. The mother duck was quacking and Parker was running backwards and forwards barking until my husband went to have a look.

'He wouldn't stop until my husband had put the duckling carefully back in the water with its mum.'

But after 10 years and more than 100 shows, Ms Adams feels it is time for Parker to relax and he will be retired in September.

'I want to retire him while he is at his best,' she said.

'I think a lot of people will be quite glad – those who see us at shows and think 'oh not them again'.'

Do you have an amazing animal story? Email catherine.morris-gretton@archant.co.uk