IT WAS a case of every dog having its day for Curly-coated Retriever Goose as he secured a prestigious prize at Crufts 2018 alongside his East Cowes owner, Belinda Millichamp.

Five-year-old Goose put his best paw forward at Birmingham’s NEC, suitably impressing judges to scoop the Best of Breed award on Sunday.

That made it a Crufts to remember for his 52-year-old owner Belinda, who joined thousands of other canine lovers in descending on the West Midlands for 127th edition of the world’s largest dog show.

An estimated 22,000 pooches visited the NEC during the four-day event, with a record 3,623 four-legged-friends from 49 countries vying for the chance to win the coveted Best in Show.

Visitors learnt about 200 different breeds at the Discover Dogs zone, crossbreeds competed for the Scruffts crown and the Friends for Life event reminded people about the truly inspiring and unique stories that show dogs at their absolute best.

And for Belinda, a boat-builder for the RNLI, there was no wiping the smile off her face as her beloved Goose enjoyed his moment in the spotlight.

“It’s just amazing — I’m speechless — I’m still up on cloud nine. I can’t get my head around winning. When the crowd clapped it was amazing and I’m so happy,” said Belinda, who is a member of the IW Gundog club and IW Canine Association.

“It’s a dream just to come here – we try to come every year and you dream of being able to get through to this part — it’s just the best show in the world.

“He’s my baby — he comes to work with us and he’s got an RNLI jacket, he spends the day coming around the boats — he’s a big member of the family.

“He just comes along — they have bring your dog to work and he has a little jacket and goes round on the boats — he loves it.”