STAR PET: Tell us why your pet is the top pooch

PETS aren’t just animals, they are members of our families.

The Journal has launched its first Star Pet competition which means we are searching for North Devon’s cute canines, magnificent moggies and radiant reptiles.

Our inaugural competition gives you the chance to tell us what makes your pet top dog.

One lucky winner will be crowned Star Pet and will receive some fantastic prizes.

Star Pet is open to all animals from cats and dogs to rodents and reptiles. No matter what pet you own you are welcome to submit them into our competition.

We are looking for pictures of your pets and want you to write to us explaining what makes them so special.

You can submit your entries via email or by post. Send your postal entries to Star Pet 2014, North Devon Journal, Avery House, Liberty Road, Roundswell Business Park, Barnstaple, EX31 3TL.

Alternatively you can send us an email to starpet@north.co.uk.

Remember to tell us the full details of your pet including the breed, their name, the owner’s name, address, daytime telephone number and email address.

The closing date for all entries is Wednesday, January 22. A colour supplement will be printed in the Journal on Thursday, January 30 featuring all the pets entered into the competition.

Readers will be able to vote who they think is the pet with the most star quality. Voting is open until February 27.

The winner will be revealed in our March 6 edition.

Charter Veterinary Hospital is sponsoring our Star Pet competition.

This week Journal reporter, Joe Bulmer tells us why his family’s pooch is top dog:

MAN’S best friends are loyal companions.

Our latest recruit Joe shares his Bideford home with Jazz, a 14-year-old chihuahua cross terrier.

Joe’s family got Jazz from a North Devon breeder.

He said: “I was very young at the time but I remember the first time I saw her. She was so small she could fit in the palm of your hand.

“My mum named her. Jazz makes quite a screechy racket and mum’s not a fan of jazz music, hence the name.”

Jazz is one pampered pooch who loves nothing more than relaxing at home.

Joe said: “In terms of sleeping she is very spoilt, she has got two beds. One for relaxing in the daytime and one to sleep in. However, if the fire is on that is where she will be.

“She has always been very playful and loves a good tug of war.

“She has got an attitude too and will let you know when she is not in the mood to play.

“Jazz can be quite loving too and often cuddles up on the sofa with me, especially when I am not very well.”

Despite being 14-years-old, Jazz still enjoys beach walks.

Joe said: “She is not as young as she used to be, so walks are a little shorter these days.

“She loves the beach at Westward Ho! but doesn’t like the water. Normally we go for little walks around the country lanes near Londonderry Farm in Bideford.

“Jazz has always been an independent lady. If she’s in the right mood she will sit and maybe even give you her paw. This is rare so it’s a real honour when it does happen.”

Animals seem to have sixth sense and know when their owners are unwell or feeling down. This is certainly the case for Joe and Jazz.

He said: “Jazz is a star pet because she always knows when you have had a rough day and will give you a cuddle.

“It’s her attitude which makes us love her, she has turned into a grumpy old lady these days.”