A JOHNSTONE animal lover was blown away after being crowned the winner of The Gazette’s Pets Factor contest 2019.
We asked readers to send us photos of their much-loved pets for the annual competition, with a £300 cash prize up for grabs.
Pampered pooches, magnificent moggies, feathered friends and even scaly reptiles were among the creatures great and small who were in with a chance of winning the bumper prize.
But it was Jean Ritchie, of Collier Street, who was quids in as adorable rescue dog Gunner won the hearts of readers, who spent several weeks voting for their favourite pet.
Social worker Jean said: “I can’t believe it.
“We are so lucky to have him and even although we have only had him for three years it feels like he has been with us forever. He is part of the family.”
Winning is special for Jean, 56, as Gunner is the family’s second rescue dog from Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue Scotland after Kane, who passed away.
Jean added: “As I understand it, Gunner was with a family down in London but after they split up he was living with the son and his dad.
“They had some sort of falling out and the son moved up to Scotland but his mum couldn’t accommodate the dog so the boy had to to rehome Gunner.
“I got a call from Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue who asked if I would be interested in giving a home to him. It came at a good time because some time had passed since Kane passed away.”
Gunner has earned Jean £300.
She said: “Some will go to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue and then maybe a new bed for Gunner just to spoil him.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here