Sir David Amess’s French Bulldog crowned Westminster Dog of the Year

david amess dog
The late MP never got to see his ‘lovely’ Vivienne score the top prize (Picture: PA)
Sir David Amess’s beloved French Bulldog Vivienne has been crowned Westminster Dog of the Year.

The Tory MP entered his dog into the competition before his death, telling voters his companion ‘always lifted his spirits and made him smile’.

But the animal lover was killed before he got to see her victory on Thursday.

Vivienne, who is three, scooped the prize after ‘tens of thousands’ of people voted for her online. She was escorted by MPs Mark Francois and Andrew Rosindell, who were pictured giving her cuddles.

Wow, check out those choppers! Puppies have 28 teeth and normal adult dogs have 42.

Mr Rosindell said he ‘couldn’t feel more sadness’ at the thought that Sir David should have been the one by Vivienne’s side. He said: ‘No one loved animals like David, and no one loved their dog like David. ‘I could not feel more sadness at the fact that it will be me chaperoning Vivienne, his dog, at the Dog of the Year, instead of him, but I also could not feel more pride to be able to pay tribute to him in this small way.’
EDITORIAL USE ONLY Sir David Amess' French Bulldog Vivienne is announced as the winner of the Westminster Dog of the Year competition, organised jointly by Dogs Trust and The Kennel Club, London. Picture date: Thursday October 28, 2021. PA Photo. The competition is open to all canines belonging to MPs and Lords and celebrates the special relationship between human and dog. 14 canines took part from across political parties. Photo credit should: David Parry/PA Wire
The competition is open to all canines belonging to MPs and Lords (Picture: PA)
EDITORIAL USE ONLY Sir David Amess' French Bulldog Vivienne is announced as the winner of the Westminster Dog of the Year competition, organised jointly by Dogs Trust and The Kennel Club, London. Picture date: Thursday October 28, 2021. PA Photo. The competition is open to all canines belonging to MPs and Lords and celebrates the special relationship between human and dog. 14 canines took part from across political parties. Photo credit should: David Parry/PA Wire
The French Bulldog scored ‘tens of thousands’ of votes (Picture: PA)

Invest in an escape-prevention harness if you have a small dog and a fenced-in yard. A little silly looking, but safer than risking a runaway dog. Buy it here.

Sir David Amess MP @amessd_southend The Westminster Dog of the Year Show is back this year and you can vote for the lovely Vivienne at http://thekennelclub.org.uk/wdoty in the 'Pawblic Vote'. The show is run by the Kennel Club and Dogs Trust and promotes responsible dog ownership
His pet ‘always lifted his spirits and made him smile’ (Picture: Sir David Amess)
Boris Johnson had encouraged the public to vote for Sir David’s dog earlier in October.

He said: ‘Vivienne brought David great joy and happiness, and this award would be a wonderful tribute to his memory and love of animals.’

After the win was announced, the prime minister tweeted: ‘Congratulations Vivienne. David would have been very proud.’

Only MPs had thrown their support behind the campaign, with Suzanne Webb, who represents Stourbridge, even asking her followers vote for Vivienne rather than her own dog Sid.

Make Your Own DIY Refillable Water Bowl. Are you filling up your dog water bowl multiple times a day? Create your own DIY refillable water bottle bowl.

Describing his friendship with his pet before his death, Sir David said: ‘Every time I walk into the room Vivienne throws herself at me, lies on her back with her legs in the air to be tickled.

‘But before that she always brings a toy so she is of a generous, giving nature.’

The Westminster Dog of the Year competition is open to all canines belonging to MPs and Lords.

Organisers say it is designed to celebrate the special relationship between human and dogs.

EDITORIAL USE ONLY (left to right) Andrew Rosindell MP and Mark Francois MP with Sir David Amess' French Bulldog Vivienne as it is announced as the winner of the Westminster Dog of the Year competition, organised jointly by Dogs Trust and The Kennel Club, London. Picture date: Thursday October 28, 2021. PA Photo. The competition is open to all canines belonging to MPs and Lords and celebrates the special relationship between human and dog. 14 canines took part from across political parties. Photo credit should: David Parry/PA Wire
Andrew Rosindell MP and Mark Francois MP were pictured escorting the dog in their friend’s place (Picture: PA)

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOUR PET: One survey found that 81 percent of cat owners let their felines sleep on the bed, compared to 73 percent of dog owners.

Sir David was stabbed to death on October 15 while meeting people in his Essex constituency. He will be laid to rest at Westminster Cathedral on November 23. Ali Harbi Ali, 25, has been charged with murder and could go on trial in March.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this,check our news page .

Sign Up for News Updates

Get your need-to-know latest news, feel-good stories, analysis and more

Not convinced? Find out more »