Autism no barrier for Crufts debutant

Keesha said Ephraim was very intuitive

A dog owner making their debut at Crufts has praised their pet for opening up their world.

Keesha Brignall-Roe, 25 from Salisbury in Wiltshire was diagnosed with autism in their early 20s. They own one-year-old coonhound, Ephraim.

Mx Brignall-Roe said the dog, a North American import, bred to hunt racoons, has helped them to connect with people.

The pair will compete in this year's Import Hound Junior group at Crufts, which is taking places at Birmingham's NEC until Sunday.

'Dogs never judge'

Mx Brignall-Roe said they immediately understood why they connected more easily with animals after the diagnosis.

"From the get-go I have always had that connection with dogs and animals that I couldn't find with people," they said.

"Dogs never judge you for your social slips-ups. They never judge you for being a little bit different.

"They're a solid friend that you can always rely on."

Mx Brignall-Roe also praised Ephraim for reading their mood: "He knows when I'm not feeling great.

"He knows when I've had a bad day. He's a very intuitive, emotionally-intelligent dog.

"Sometimes people react strangely to me, I can be a bit intense, I can be very visibly autistic, it does put people off sometimes.

"But dogs don't get put off, they don't care, they just like you as you are."

Keesha said they had made new friends through dog ownership and training

As well as having a close bond, Ephraim has helped Mx Brignall to connect with more people.

"I have made so many friends since getting this dog," they said.

"It's mostly people in his show circles. I feel like I've never had this many friends in my life.

"I can have a normal conversation with them and they're the loveliest people in the world."

Since picking Ephraim up, Mx Brignall-Roe has also spoken to the owner of the dog's brother most days and they will meet for the first time at Crufts.

"I'd probably call her a best friend," said Mx Brignall-Roe.

"I'm really, really excited to see her."

'Fog-horn puppy'

Mx Brignall-Roe has been taking Ephraim to weekly ringcraft classes in preparation for the show.

"They've been absolutely fantastic, really supportive," they said of the organisers.

"They've been so gracious, putting up with my, fog-horn puppy.

"He does have big feelings and he does like to voice those feelings constantly."

Keesha describes Ephraim as 'big-hearted'

Mx Brignall-Roe is expecting to be "humbled" on the Crufts famous green carpet but said the community was very supportive.

"They're used to seeing these puppy antics," they said.

"I think if I go in there and have fun, I'll have a great time."

Reflecting on their bond with Ephraim and the late diagnosis of autism, Mx Brignall-Roe added they would tell their 13-year-old self 'hang in there" and "we are different and that's OK".

And [there is] so much I'm looking forward to in the future that this dog has opened up for me. I would say - don't ever give up."