Countryfile viewers were left emotional on Sunday night after hearing the story of Floss, a sheepdog competing at the Supreme trial in the Cotswolds.
Presenters Matt Baker and Emily McGowan were at Daylesford Farm for the biggest date in the sheepdog trialling calendar. The finest dogs and handlers from across the UK and Ireland took part, with two days of qualifying whittling 60 competitors down to just 15. On the final day, they competed in the ultimate test, the Supreme, with only one claiming the title of Supreme Champion.
Floss's sudden illness
Viewers were introduced to Floss, who was competing for England with her handler, Harry Plant, and his partner Caleigh. Emily shared Floss's story, explaining that after a trial in June last year, Floss suddenly became seriously ill.
Caleigh said: "She actually had a seizure in the kitchen while she was standing up," before Harry added: "I'd never seen that happen with any animal before. And to see it happen to Floss was just awful, [I] felt so helpless at the time."
The couple were told to prepare for the worst as Floss got no better. Harry shared: "It was like one of the worst nights of my life, really. To pick her up, it was like she was just going to die in our arms in the back of the car."
Recovery and return to competition
Floss was moved into intensive care at a specialist clinic, where she was diagnosed with immune mediated meningitis. The statistics "weren't good", but gradually the treatment started to work, and Floss began the long road to recovery.
Harry said: "I'd so nearly lost her... Caleigh did a lot of work with her, physio and hydrotherapy." Caleigh noted: "She couldn't walk in a straight line. She was still, like really wobbly. She'd lost [about six kilos]."
After resting for the remainder of that season, Floss was fit for the English Nationals this year, where they came seventh, earning a place at the Internationals. Harry choked back tears as he said: "She's taken me to every level of trialling that I've ever dreamed of going to. So yeah, to be able to get to the Supreme would just be the ultimate."
Viewer reaction
Emotional viewers shared their thoughts after hearing Floss's story. One person wrote on Instagram: "Super Floss!! What a lovely story of her recovery and how her devoted owners nursed her through the illness to come back to compete so successfully! Good luck at the International trials Floss."
Another added: "Oh I'm in bits [crying emoji]. What an amazing dog, with an incredible bond with her owners," while a third said: "I'm not crying, you're crying." Someone else echoed: "We love you Floss and love your story of strength, resilience and hope!" A fifth viewer commented: "I'm so glad Floss was able to recover. What a beautiful story [tearful emoji]."
Harry and Floss had a difficult run at qualifying, missing all three gates and needing several attempts to pen up the sheep, costing them valuable points. Despite their unlikely chances of making it through to the Supreme, Harry and Caleigh were proud of their dog after everything she had been through over the past year. Countryfile is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
