Torrington musician and first-ever dog Bella set to make their Crufts debut

A musician from Torrington who has done so much to improve the wellbeing of others is looking forward to her first ever trip to Crufts with the dog who helped improve her own mental health.

Debbie Kent, 49, is the founder of music school Teachers Rock, which provides singing experiences for educators and young people and is a self-confessed perfectionist.

Having 16-month-old miniature smooth haired dachshund Bella in her life has brought ‘laughter to even the dullest days’ and an unexpected opportunity to compete at the world’s biggest dog show.

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Bella is also Debbie’s first ever dog and prestigious national dog show Crufts was only ever something she had watched on the TV, but after six months of showing Bella, she qualified twice over by coming second and third in her breed at two separate dog shows in Exeter.

Above: Debbie originally got Bella to help with her own mental health and wellbeing, never imagining they would both be competing at Crufts just over a year later.

Now the pair are off to the bright lights of the show ring when the calendar event of the dog world takes place at NEC Birmingham from Thursday, March 5 to Sunday, March 8.

It was the suggestion of Debbie’s brother – after she’d recommended a friend’s litter – that a dog of her own would also do her the world of good.

She said: “My brother turned round and said: ‘Deb, you ought to consider that, she’d be really good for your mental health’.

“I thought that was an interesting comment, so I then talked to my mum about it, she said exactly the same and then I spoke to my partner about it and he said I should go and have a look.

“So, I went to my friend and picked out Bella and I knew the first time I saw her that she was exactly the kind of puppy I would like.

“I love the breed and I never thought I’d be in the position to have a dog because I’m very much of the opinion that if you have something, you have to invest and I’m a perfectionist in everything I do.

“She’s worked out to be the most affectionate, most trainable, most amazing little dog and she’s absolutely transformed my life, in terms of emotional and mental wellbeing.”

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Debbie added: “I’m really looking forward to it, it was totally unexpected.

“Obviously, she’s a small dog and we live in quite a rural area in north Devon and she sees quite a lot of big dogs.

“I just wanted to take her to a show where she could meet other dogs who were her own size, where she doesn’t feel anxious.

“I just couldn’t believe it when we qualified, but how exciting because I’ve watched it from afar from a very early age.”

Crufts, run by the Royal Kennel Club, is a celebration of happy, healthy dogs and of the loving relationship that they enjoy with their owners.

Viewers can follow all the action and highlights on Channel 4 and More4, and for further information and tickets visit https://crufts.org.uk