The prestigious Crufts dog show in England over the weekend became a showcase for two Irish dogs who were just days away from being put down before being rescued by an English family. ‘Hairy Havoc’ and ‘Lust for Life’ took home big prizes at the dog show in Birmingham.

The Daily Edge reports that Winnie, whose stage name is ‘Hairy Havoc,’ took second prize in the ABC Dog Agility competition, one of the competition’s toughest categories. Gertie, stage name ‘Lust for Life,’ snatched fourth prize in the Young Kennel Club Agility competition.

In what is being called a ‘wags to riches’ story, both of the dogs were rescued from a South Dublin City pound in Dunboyne. The volunteer organization A Dog’s Life rescued Gertie and placed her in a rescue home in Kilkenny, while Winnie was adopted directly from the pound.

Both dogs went to the same home - the Rumsey family in York, England.

“All dogs deserve a second chance just as Winnie and Gertie did,” said Anne Rogers, chairperson of A Dog’s Life. “Every day abandoned and unwanted dogs are brought to pounds, where they face certain death unless they are adopted or taken in by a rescue organisation which deals with the pound.”

“If you’re ready to give a home to a dog, please help save a dog’s life by adopting from your local pound.”

Below, catch some clips from the Crufts competition:
 

YKC Agility Competition - Crufts 2012 (Gertie begins at 9:45):

Agility - ABC - Agility - Crufts 2012 (Winnie begins at 4:40):