A SEDGLEY woman has been busy preparing her four-legged friends for Crufts.

Tina Thomas will be showing her two Japanese Akita Inus, Maru and Anika, at the popular dog show, which will be held at Birmingham’s NEC between March 9 and 12.

The successful breeder, who has been competing at dog shows since 1976, said: “Maru has won best of breed two times in the last four years but it will be Anika’s first time at Crufts.

“It is the most prestigious dog show in the world. We’ve had someone come from Australia just to see one of our dogs before. We also get the chance to meet people that we know on Facebook. It’s like a big family.

“I think the dogs love taking part, it’s a special day for them too.”

Mrs Thomas has been preparing her dogs by bathing them once a week “to get their coats in good condition” and long daily walks to keep them fit.

Maru, aged five will compete in the open dog class and three-year-old Anika will be in the open bitch class, where they will both be judged by the Kennel Club’s standards for their breed.