MSP Maree Todd and Cooper contend for prestigious Holyrood Dog of the Year title

North MSP Maree Todd and her dog Cooper are calling on people from Caithness, Sutherland and Ross for support in a special public vote.

The SNP MSP and her six-year-old Labrador will compete with other politicians and their pooches to win the coveted title of Holyrood Dog of the Year 2022 on Monday, May 9.

Following a three-year hiatus, dogs of all shapes and sizes, regardless of breed, creed or ‘pawlitical’ persuasion, will be helping their MSP owners to strut their stuff as they head to the Scottish Parliament Gardens at Horse Wynd, Edinburgh, to see who will be crowned top dog.

Organised jointly by The Kennel Club and Dogs Trust, the competition offers the unique chance for Ms Todd to show off her loyal canine companion, Cooper.

With the boom in dog ownership during the pandemic, this year’s event focuses on promoting responsible dog ownership, making sure that, alongside the joys of having a dog, owners recognise the responsibility they have, to ensure that their pet is a positive member of the community and is able to live a happy and healthy life. Additionally, the competition encourages an open dialogue on dog welfare issues, as well as providing an opportunity for MSPs to meet with experts to discuss all aspects of the canine world.

Proud owner, Ms Todd explains: "Cooper is already well known within Scottish politics – people ask me how he is doing the length and breadth of Scotland. He promotes the daily mile – great for our health and one of our best Scottish exports!

"Not only that, but we have really appreciated his loyalty, companionship and friendship. Our family has had a tough year and Cooper has been steadfast throughout.

"Holyrood Dog of the Year will be a great chance to celebrate the essential work MSPs are doing to improve dog welfare and will be a fantastic opportunity to highlight the importance of responsible dog ownership."

MSPs will also be calling for their supporters to vote for them, in a bid to win the public vote, with additional judging on the day which will review the contestants on their good dog deeds and winning personalities. This will then determine which political pooch will take home the ultimate parliamentary privilege of the Holyrood Dog of the Year 2022 title.

To vote for Maree Todd and Cooper, and to find out details of all the MSPs and dogs entered for Holyrood Dog of the Year visit thekennelclub.org.uk/hdoty

The competition starts at 10am on Monday, May 9.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.