Published Date: 22 October 2009
Shoreham Herald

A 10-year-old Lancing girl has won awards for her ferret-handling skills at two national shows, only months after starting to take part in competitions.

Keeley Nagle, a pupil at Seaside Primary School, won in the disabled category with her pet, Rocket Dog, during her second competition.

She was then crowned best child handler at her third.

"She absolutely loves her ferrets," said Keeley's mum, Trisha Byford.

"She shares the looking-after of them with me, so she knows as much as I do about them.<

"She was really happy when she won best handler and she got some sweets in the cup, as well."

Keeley entered the disabled category at the Harrietsham ferret show, because Rocket Dog has an unusual affliction for a ferret – asthma.

"He must be the only ferret in the country with asthma; he has even got an inhaler," said Trisha.

To win best child handler at the New Forest lurcher, terrier and ferret show, Keeley had to answer questions on Rocket Dog's diet, health and living conditions while a judge assessed how well she was handling the animal.

Trisha said the family had got their first ferrets two-and-a-half years ago and now had four, three of which were rescued.

"Ferrets are just absolutely great pets. They are just such good fun," she said.