Young pet champion has a really wild time

Maisie Butroid was the winner of a Pets at Home competition to find Alnwick’s most responsible young pet owner, to celebrate the launch of its store in the town.

Numerous entries were received, but the company was impressed by Maisie’s dedication to her animals at such a tender age.

Maisie has numerous chickens that she helps feed, clean and cuddle. She also has cats that she grooms and always pays particular attention to their water bowls so they don’t get thirsty. She also has fish that she feeds and helps clean out.

After winning the competition, the Swansfield Park First School pupil was invited into the new store, at Willowburn Retail Park, to see what goes on behind the scenes.

Maisie learnt all about the five welfare needs of animals, including what pets eat, where they sleep and their healthcare needs. She then experienced stock checking, looking after the animals and fish, interacting with customers and even using the till. Maisie was also given £100 in Pets at Home vouchers as part of her prize.

Her mum Laura said: “Maisie had an absolutely brilliant time and this was the highlight of her school holidays.”

Store manager Anthony Griffiths praised Maisie, saying she was an absolute star.

The shop, which opened in July, has an adoption centre, groom room, pet village and aquatics centre.