JAKE the dog has missed out on the chance of national honours because of a bout of arthritis.
The eight-year-old Labra-dor-Staffordshire bull terrier cross was due to compete in the RSPCA Dog of the Year Show after winning the North Yorkshire regional finals.
But when he fell ill with arthritis his owner, Louise Williams, of Sowerby, near Thirsk, decided he was too poorly to attend.
"I was all set to go," said Louise, 25.
The show, billed as an alternative to Crufts, celebrates all aspects of canine life. Jake has previously won titles that include most handsome dog and dog with the waggiest tail.
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