Exeter dog owner to return to Crufts with dogs that helped her through tragedy

A retired Exeter nurse is preparing for her return to Crufts this March, accompanied by the two Bernese mountain dogs that helped her cope with the loss of her husband.

Louise Oakaby, 66, has a long history of showing dogs at the world-renowned event, including several appearances before 2024, with multiple top-three placements. 

Last year, however, she faced a particularly emotional challenge: competing while dealing with grief following the death of her husband, Trevor, who passed away just one month after being diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma.

Mrs Oakaby already owned eight-year-old Bernese Dilly, and when her daughter had to be put to sleep in August 2024, she felt the house needed another dog. 

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She eventually welcomed Carie, a Bernese puppy born on December 17, 2024 - the day after Trevor’s diagnosis. Mrs Oakaby collected Carie the day after her husband’s funeral.

“The dogs basically saved my life,” Mrs Oakaby said. 

“I was puppy training Carie and walking both her and Dilly every morning. If I hadn’t been doing that, I think I would have just sat in the house and done nothing.” 

She added that Carie’s affection provided comfort during her hardest moments: “When I was sobbing my heart out, Carie would come over wanting to cuddle me.”

Carie’s name honours the veterinary nurse who worked for over half an hour to prevent her dying at birth, and the young dog has thrived since joining the family.

This year, Mrs Oakaby is looking forward to Crufts from 5 - 8 March 2025 at the NEC Birmingham, where she will participate in the Discover Dogs exhibition for the first time. 

“You see so many Bernese at Crufts - you don’t see that many at Open or Championship shows,” she said. 

“Taking the dogs around the stalls isn’t usually nice - it’s too busy - but this year, with Discover Dogs on the second day, I’ll be able to walk around them.”

Crufts, run by The Kennel Club, celebrates the bond between dogs and their owners, showcasing happy, healthy animals from across the UK and abroad. 

Highlights from the event will be broadcast on Channel 4 and More4, with further information and tickets available via Crufts website.