A SWINDON pooch will be looking to put its best paw forward this weekend as hopes to melt hearts at a national tournament.

Boo, a five-year-old Lurcher, has beaten off competition from hundreds of other dogs to reach the semi-final of the prestigious Scruffts competition.

Now she will head to London this weekend and attempt to impress a team of judges to put her through to the final, which will be held at the famous Crufts Dog Show.

Her owner, Rosie Reid, 28, of Blunsdon, said it was a fantastic achievement for her much-loved pet and was confident Boo will win over the hearts of the judges.

“It’s going to be a great day and I’m looking forward to it,” said Rosie.

“Boo is obviously oblivious to what is happening but she’ll get plenty of treats so I’m sure she’ll really enjoy it.

“The judges will be looking at a number of things from how healthy she looks to how she interacts with humans and generally how happy she looks.

“Boo competed in a number of heats and finished first so will now compete against 30 others which finished first from elsewhere in the country.”

While Boo lives a happy life now, regularly accompanying Rosie to work, she did not have the happiest start in life.

“I have had Boo for five years now, having taking her when she was a few months old,” said Rosie.

“Her owner had a litter of puppies and although she cared for them, was struggling to cope with a number of things in her life.

“Boo had mange and worms and was not in a good way.

“I saw an advert for the puppies and went around. I was initially going to take one of her brothers but Boo captured my heart.”

However, there is no sign of her early struggles as not only is Boo competing in many competitions, she is helping other people.

“Despite her neglected beginning in life, Boo has grown into a fantastic dog who is now also helping others as a Pets As Therapy Dog,” said Rosie.

“She comes to work with me and attends therapy sessions with me for support. She is also very active, she loves Flyball and competes most weekends all over the country.”

When Rosie and Boo get to London on Saturday they face stiff competition.

Caroline Kisko, Secretary of the Kennel Club which has organised the competition, said: “This year’s semi-final looks to be tougher than ever and the judges have a difficult job. Scruffts is always a highlight of mine at Discover Dogs.

“We get to see the most wonderful and deserving crossbreeds as they compete for a place in the Scruffts final at Crufts.”