A dog owner from Salisbury who has fought from a serious horse wound and losing her vision will fill a lifelong dream when she goes to the famous green carpet at Crufts.
Elizabeth Rawlings hopes that she will prove an inspiration for others when she enters the ring with her beloved Cocker Spaniel River as part of the Kennel Club Good Citizen Display Team.
An accident in 2012 changed the course of the life of Elizabeth Rawlings, which causes them to faint epileptic seizures, hemiplegical migraine, chronic pain and blood pressure disorder.
She now needs ten medical treatments a day to stay alive.
By 2021 the 27-year-old blind was registered and was further diagnosed with a rare condition called Ehlers Danlos who ensures that her joints disrupt every day.
Despite it all, the resident of Wiltshire enjoys the chance to shine the world -famous dog show in addition to her six -year -old working Cocker after she dreamed of participating since she viewed the show as a child.
“I'm really excited. It took a lot to get here and it is a huge privilege to do this, “she told the mail on Sunday.
'When I was a child and I would see Clare Balding sitting on the famous couch with people, I would think it would really mean something for yourself and your dog to achieve that position.
Elizabeth Rawlings hopes that she will prove an inspiration for others when she entered the ring with her beloved Cocker Spaniel River as part of the Kennel Club Good Citizen Display Team
The resident of Wiltshire enjoys the opportunity to shine in the world -famous dog show in addition to her six -year -old working Cocker
The 27-year-old dreams of participating in Crufts since she viewed the show as a child
'I have always dreamed of getting a dog in every capacity and I just wanted that chance to make that memory happen. I have never seen anyone with a white stick in the main arena and do this display, so I wanted to prove that we could do it. '
She added: “It is difficult, but when the application came through to apply for this team, I needed something good and something to look forward to this year.”
She led to her dedicated companion, said: 'It's hard to describe, but she is not just a dog, she is incredible. She gave me my world back.
'Before I had a river, I was terrified every time I left the house. Now that I have a river, I no longer feel afraid to leave the house because I know she will keep me safe and when I say to her: “I want to try this,” she is immediately willing to do it, what you ask of her, she is happy. ” I am also no longer afraid of attacks because she warns me and gets help. '
She added: 'I wanted the chance to show people what my dog can do because I know she is the best dog in the world. She gave my life back and I want other people to see how special she is.
“I wasn't brave without a river. She is my courage and my courage and independence. If she is by my side, I have the feeling that I can try things. I know River will be ready and will support me in what I want to do or what I ask of her. '
Elizabeth hopes that her performance at Crufts will inspire others.
“I know River will be ready and support me in what I want to do or what I ask of her,” says Elizabeth
Dozens of beautifully cared for dogs arrived on Saturday morning for the third day of Crufts – to see who will win a set of coveted prizes
Crufts brings more than 150,000 to Birmingham's NEC, with almost 9 million to coordinate and watch on television; The program is broadcast in the UK on channel 4
Irish Setter judge during Crufts 2025 in the National Exhibition Center in Birmingham
She said: 'I was not disabled, I bought many disabilities for various reasons and I just didn't want to give up my dreams just because my body failed in certain areas.
'I am still 27, I still want to live my life and only because I am disabled, I do not want to say that I am unable to dream.
'I will suffer a lot and a lot of pain after this, but as soon as I am at River, this is the only time I have no pain. Because for a short time everything else disappears and it is just a river and I do something that I love.
'I want to show that if I can do it, everyone can do it. I am not special, I just have the privilege of having an incredible dog. '
