A TEENAGE Kidderminster dog groomer has fulfilled the dream she has had since she was a little girl by winning at Crufts.
Mia Blackburn, aged 18, won the workshop Asian fusion beginners class along with dog Scrabby.
Mia has worked as a dog groomer at K9 Leisure Club in Kidderminster for more than a year now, with Scrabby being a client’s dog who she was able to take to Crufts.
The 18-year-old said she was in complete shock after finding out she had won at Crufts.
She told the Standard: “I have been going to Crufts for a few years, but this is the first time I have actually competed.
“It has always been a dream of mine to go to Crufts and compete, being on the green carpet there was something I wanted to do for most of my life.
“Dogs have always been my passion, as a little girl, I always knew I wanted to do a job involving dogs.
“Once I went to college and studied grooming, I knew that was all I wanted to do.
“Crufts was very scary, I am only 18-years-old and I was competing against dog groomers who have been in the trade for decades.
“I’m still in complete shock, when I heard I had won, I just put my head in my hands, I couldn’t believe it.
“To compete alongside so many incredibly talented groomers and come away with this result means the world to me.”
K9 Leisure Club also congratulated their ‘incredibly talented’ dog groomer.
A spokesperson on behalf of the leisure club said: “Mia, we are beyond proud of you.
“Your dedication, skill, creativity and passion for grooming truly shine through in everything you do, and this achievement is a reflection of the countless hours of hard work you put into perfecting your craft.
“To compete and win at an event as prestigious as Crufts is absolutely phenomenal, and we couldn’t be happier and prouder for you on this incredible achievement.”
This was not the first time Mia had won a major prize for her dog grooming.
Back in January, she came first at the Kennel Club grooming competition.
And she confirmed she would be returning to compete at Crufts in the future.
