Absolutely Animals Ltd

Category: Awards

  • YKC Groomer of the Year 2011!

    YKC Groomer of the Year 2011!

    crufts win christine anderton miniature poodle-2011

    From Runner-Up to Best in Show: Christine Anderton Wins YKC Groomer of the Year!

    The scissors have settled, the fluff is perfectly coiffed, and the results are in: our very own Christine Anderton is officially a champion!

    After a weekend of high-stakes competition at the world-renowned Crufts dog show at Birmingham’s NEC, Christine and her 10-year-old Miniature Poodle, Beckham, have secured the prestigious Young Kennel Club (YKC) Groomer of the Year Award.

    A Story of Determination

    This victory is especially sweet for Christine. After coming incredibly close last year, she returned to the arena with more focus and passion than ever.

    “Last year Beckham and I finished second so it is great to finally win. I’m just so pleased,” said Christine.

    Competing against a field of 21,500 dogs and some of the most talented young handlers in the country, Christine’s precision and Beckham’s calm demeanor proved to be the winning combination.

    Why This Matters

    Winning at Crufts is the ultimate “Best in Show” moment for any groomer. It highlights the skill, patience, and artistry that Christine brings to our salon every single day. Whether she’s prepping a champion for the ring or making your pet look their best, that same award-winning dedication is always on display.

    As a proud member of Groom Team England, Christine continues to set the bar for grooming excellence in Lewisham and beyond.

    Sources

    https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/8909893.crufts-win-for-minature-poodle-beckham-and-groomer-christine-anderton/

  • Christine Anderton First in the junior class of the Euro Groom

    Christine Anderton First in the junior class of the Euro Groom

    Seventeen-year-old Christine Anderton has made an impressive mark on the competitive grooming scene, taking first place in the junior class at the prestigious Euro Groom competition.

    Competing with her 10-year-old pet poodle, Beckham, Christine demonstrated exceptional skill, precision, and creativity qualities that set her apart in a highly competitive field. Her win marks a significant milestone in what is still an early but already promising journey in dog grooming.

    As if first place in her category wasn’t enough, Christine also secured second place in the highly contested “best scissored dog” round. Notably, she outperformed two competitors from Groom Team England, an achievement that highlights both her technical ability and composure under pressure.

    Speaking about her success, Christine, who lives on Montem Road in Forest Hill, shared her excitement: “It was my third competition which I have done and it’s the best result I have got so far.”

    For someone so early in her competitive career, this achievement signals a bright future ahead. With dedication, talent, and a clear passion for grooming, Christine Anderton is certainly a name to watch in upcoming competitions.

    Her success also reflects the growing recognition of grooming as both an art and a discipline, requiring patience, creativity, and a deep understanding of canine care. With Beckham by her side, Christine has proven that strong partnerships between groomer and dog can truly shine on the international stage.

    As she continues to develop her skills and gain experience, there’s little doubt that this won’t be the last time Christine stands on the podium.

    2010 toy poodle first place

    Source

    https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/8177314.forest-hill-teenager-wins-dog-grooming-competition/

  • British Groomer of the Year 2004

    British Groomer of the Year 2004

    We are incredibly proud to celebrate a defining moment in the history of Absolutely Animals. In 2004, our founder and owner Heidi Anderton was named British Groomer of the Year, taking the top honour at the prestigious British Dog Grooming Championships held in Luton.

    Competing against 30 of the UK’s finest groomers, Heidi stood out by winning both the Miniature Poodle and Handstrip (non-gundog) categories, earning her a place in the finals and securing the overall title. The award recognised not only exceptional technical skill, but also dedication, preparation, and professionalism at the highest level of the industry.

    At the time of her win, Heidi was already City & Guilds 7750 qualified and had been preparing intensively for the competition throughout the year. Reflecting on her achievement, Heidi said:

    “This is really great. I’ve been preparing my dogs all year for this competition. I’m so pleased and my kids are so proud”, said Heidi. I’ve been branching out at my grooming salon, Absolutely Animals, into training groomers and with just two more units needed to gain my Pet Care Trust Advanced Grooming qualification, this national title will give my business a real lift.”

    Industry leaders also recognised Heidi’s contribution to dog grooming standards. Janet Nunn, Chief Executive of the Pet Care Trust, praised Heidi as a strong advocate for excellence and a role model for those considering grooming as a career.

    This award marked a major milestone for Absolutely Animals and reinforced the values the business still stands for today: high standards, continuous learning, and genuine passion for animal care. Heidi went on to expand into teaching, examining, and mentoring groomers, helping to raise professional standards across the industry.

    Winning British Groomer of the Year remains a proud part of our story and a reflection of the expertise, care, and commitment that Absolutely Animals continues to offer every client and every dog.

    Sources:

    https://www.ourdogs.co.uk/News/2004/October2004/News081004/groomer.htm

    https://www.learn2groomdogs.com/instructor/heidi-anderton/