Meg Slack, an Animal Management student from the College of West Anglia’s (CWA) Wisbech campus, has won one of the biggest stages in the dog showing world, after taking the top title in the Joe Cartledge Memoria International Junior Handling Final at Crufts 2026.  

Meg represented the United Kingdom in the prestigious competition following another major success earlier in the week, where she was named Junior of the Year at the Pawscars Awards.  

Competing against leading young handlers from across the world, Meg progressed through to the final stage of the international contest after first handling a Japanese Shiba Inu called Delphine ‘Weenie’.  

Meg explained, “My first ever time meeting Weenie was at 7.30am on Friday morning. We had an hour to practise before going into the BIS ring at 8.30am. This first part is where we do our individual work and show our skills to the judge.” She then returned to the ring as one of the final ten competitors remaining from the 36 country representatives, being chosen as the overall winner by judge Adrian Hill. 

Meg said, “It was an absolute dream come true to represent the UK at this prestigious event, but to win it means so much more to me. It really was a Crufts dreams are made of.”  

Her success did not stop there as over the weekend, Meg went on to handle her American Cocker Spaniel puppy Gossip, who won her puppy bitch class and then was awarded best puppy bitch.  

Meg’s achievement marks an outstanding moment for the College of West Anglia and reflects the talent and commitment of students pursuing excellence both in and beyond their studies.