Bully, the moth-eaten mutt who was dumped in a rubbish bin as a pup, has every reason to be pleased with himself after winning a top competition - as the South's scruffiest dog.

But life could have been very different for the poor pooch - now eight - after he was thrown out with the rubbish as a puppy.

Bully, who was rescued from a rubbish bin at a park and ride car park, has been living the life of Riley with owner Annie Sherrell, in Lock Crescent, Kidlington, ever since.

His tale touched the hearts of judges in the Vitapet Scruff of the Year competition. Annie said: "Bully was dumped in a rubbish bin on a busy Oxford park and ride car park when he was a puppy.

"He is now eight-years-old and a very docile individual.

"His hobbies are eating and sleeping. He has an aversion to water, especially the warm soapy variety and we think his short stay in the rubbish bin has had a great influence on his life with us," she added.

Bully's nickname is Carpet because he uses as little energy as possible and likes just lying around.

Entrants were required to send in 200 words about their pets and photographs of them at their scruffiest.

Bully won a framed certificate and a supply of Vitapet products.

Story date: Tuesday 02 March

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