Latest news with #JamieGriffiths
Daily Mail
07-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
We thought we'd adopted a tiny Cockapoo puppy...he now weighs 7 STONE and is four times bigger than we thought he'd be
A couple who thought they'd adopted a Cockapoo puppy were stunned to see it grow into a seven stone Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle crossbreed. Laura McFarlane, 43, and Jamie Griffiths, 51, brought Bobby home from an animal rescue centre in November 2022 and were reportedly told he was the popular cocker spaniel-poodle crossbreed. Being a small breed, the couple expected him to end up weighing less than two stone - so were shocked when he grew to almost four times the size. Ms McFarlane said her suspicions were first raised when Bobby was not even fully grown but already the biggest dog at the cockapoo socials they were attending. Genetic testing carried out by the couple soon revealed there was no trace of Cocker Spaniel in Bobby and he was in fact a Bernedoodle - a mix between Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle. Bernese Mountain Dogs are a large breed originating from the Swiss Alps that were bred for tasks like pulling carts due to their power and size. Despite everything Ms McFarlane has insisted the pair have 'no regrets' about adopting Bobby - who now weighs the same as a 13-year-old child - saying there is just 'more of him to love'. Ms McFarlane, from Pontypridd, South Wales, said: 'We were told that he was a cockapoo. We expected him to grow to a maximum of 12kg. 'Once he'd had his injections, we started taking him to cockapoo socials. He was the biggest dog and he just got bigger. 'Everybody kept saying to us that they thought that he was a labradoodle. 'We sent for a DNA test for him and it came back that there's no Cocker Spaniel in him. He's Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle - so not a small dog. 'He was so big by that point compared to what we thought he would be. 'I don't regret adopting him, there's just more of him to love. 'He's my best friend. He's a lot of fun, he's extremely cheeky. He's extremely fun and he's got lots of doggy friends.' The regional sales manager added the 45kg beast is served up three meals a day and even joins in with the couple and has a full English breakfast or Sunday roast on special occasions. Ms McFarlane said: 'We feed him three times a day - he's always hungry anyway but we're quite strict with his food because he does have a sensitive stomach. 'He has three feeds a day so if we can do him a Sunday dinner or a breakfast we'll do him a little one as well because he likes to join in. 'We don't like leaving him at home on our days off because one of us is always working from home. 'We just take him everywhere. He's done everything - he's been on speed boats, been camping. 'He lives the life of Riley.' Ms McFarlane has said she wants to encourage other prospective dog owners to adopt rather than buying from a breeder - and would advise them to ask questions in order to avoid the same doggy blunder. She explained: 'Ask as many questions as possible - if you're going to a breeder then get their backstory maybe. Bobby has three feeds a day and even joins in on a Sunday dinner or a breakfast in the form of his own 'little' meal 'I would always encourage adoption over going to a breeder and buying a puppy. 'That's the second dog we've had from a rescue. We had our first dog for 10 years and we've had Bob for three so I would [recommend adoption] because there's just so many dogs there. 'We can't live without a dog really. Bobby is no trouble to us.'
The Sun
07-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
We bought tiny ‘Cockapoo' puppy but it grew to HUGE 7-stone hound after breeder crossed it with 5ft Bernese Mountain Dog
A COUPLE were left stunned when their tiny "Cockapoo" puppy grew into a whopping seven-stone hound — after the breeder crossed it with a 5ft Bernese Mountain Dog. Laura McFarlane, 43, and Jamie Griffiths, 51, adopted Bobby from an animal rescue in November 2022 and were reportedly told he was the popular cocker spaniel-poodle crossbreed. 13 13 13 Being a small breed, the couple expected him to end up weighing less than two stone - so they were shocked when he grew to almost four times the size. Laura says they first realised there was something unusual when Bobby was not even fully grown, but already the biggest dog at the cockapoo socials they were attending. The couple decided to carry out genetic testing that revealed that there was no trace of Cocker Spaniel in Bobby and that he was a Bernedoodle - a mix between Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle. Bernese Mountain Dogs are a large breed originating from the Swiss Alps that were bred for such tasks as pulling carts due to their power and size. But Laura says they have "no regrets" about adopting Bobby - who now weighs the same as a 13-year-old child - and that there is just "more of him to love". Laura, from Pontypridd, South Wales, said: "We were told that he was a cockapoo. We expected him to grow to a maximum of 12kg. "Once he'd had his injections, we started taking him to cockapoo socials. "He was the biggest dog and he just got bigger. "Everybody kept saying to us that they thought that he was a labradoodle. "We sent for a DNA test for him and it came back that there's no Cocker Spaniel in him. He's a Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle - so not a small dog. "He was so big by that point compared to what we thought he would be. "I don't regret adopting him, there's just more of him to love. "He's my best friend. He's a lot of fun, he's extremely cheeky. He's extremely fun and he's got lots of doggy friends." Regional sales manager Laura says the 45kg beast is served up three meals a day and even joins in with the couple and has a full English breakfast or Sunday roast on special occasions. Laura said: "We feed him three times a day - he's always hungry anyway but we're quite strict with his food because he does have a sensitive stomach. "He has three feeds a day so if we can do him a Sunday dinner or a breakfast we'll do him a little one as well because he likes to join in. "We don't like leaving him at home on our days off because one of us is always working from home. "We just take him everywhere. He's done everything - he's been on speed boats, been camping. "He lives the life of Riley." Laura now wants to encourage other prospective dog owners to adopt rather than buying from a breeder - and would advise them to ask questions in order to avoid the same doggy blunder. Laura said: "Ask as many questions as possible - if you're going to a breeder then get their backstory maybe. "I would always encourage adoption over going to a breeder and buying a puppy. "That's the second dog we've had from a rescue. We had our first dog for 10 years and we've had Bob for three so I would [recommend adoption] because there's just so many dogs there. "We can't live without a dog really. "Bobby is no trouble to us." 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
Daily Mail
07-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Couple who thought they had bought Cockapoo puppy discover it is actually a 7 stone Bernese Mountain Dog
A couple who thought they'd adopted a Cockapoo puppy were stunned to see it grow into a seven stone Bernese Mountain Dog giant. Laura McFarlane, 43, and Jamie Griffiths, 51, brought Bobby home from an animal rescue centre in November 2022 and were reportedly told he was the popular cocker spaniel-poodle crossbreed. Being a small breed, the couple expected him to end up weighing less than two stone - so were shocked when he grew to almost four times the size. Ms McFarlane said her suspicions were first raised when Bobby was not even fully grown but already the biggest dog at the cockapoo socials they were attending. Genetic testing carried out by the couple soon revealed there was no trace of Cocker Spaniel in Bobby and he was in fact a Bernedoodle - a mix between Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle. Bernese Mountain Dogs are a large breed originating from the Swiss Alps that were bred for tasks like pulling carts due to their power and size. Despite everything Ms McFarlane has insisted the pair have 'no regrets' about adopting Bobby - who now weighs the same as a 13-year-old child - saying there is just 'more of him to love'. Ms McFarlane, from Pontypridd, South Wales, said: 'We were told that he was a cockapoo. We expected him to grow to a maximum of 12kg. 'Once he'd had his injections, we started taking him to cockapoo socials. He was the biggest dog and he just got bigger. 'Everybody kept saying to us that they thought that he was a labradoodle. 'We sent for a DNA test for him and it came back that there's no Cocker Spaniel in him. He's Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle - so not a small dog. 'He was so big by that point compared to what we thought he would be. 'I don't regret adopting him, there's just more of him to love. 'He's my best friend. He's a lot of fun, he's extremely cheeky. He's extremely fun and he's got lots of doggy friends.' The regional sales manager added the 45kg beast is served up three meals a day and even joins in with the couple and has a full English breakfast or Sunday roast on special occasions. Ms McFarlane said: 'We feed him three times a day - he's always hungry anyway but we're quite strict with his food because he does have a sensitive stomach. The pair take Bobby 'everywhere' - on camping trips and speed boats - as they don't like leaving him at home 'He has three feeds a day so if we can do him a Sunday dinner or a breakfast we'll do him a little one as well because he likes to join in. 'We don't like leaving him at home on our days off because one of us is always working from home. 'We just take him everywhere. He's done everything - he's been on speed boats, been camping. 'He lives the life of Riley.' Ms McFarlane has said she wants to encourage other prospective dog owners to adopt rather than buying from a breeder - and would advise them to ask questions in order to avoid the same doggy blunder. She explained: 'Ask as many questions as possible - if you're going to a breeder then get their backstory maybe. Bobby has three feeds a day and even joins in on a Sunday dinner or a breakfast in the form of his own 'little' meal 'I would always encourage adoption over going to a breeder and buying a puppy. 'That's the second dog we've had from a rescue. We had our first dog for 10 years and we've had Bob for three so I would [recommend adoption] because there's just so many dogs there. 'We can't live without a dog really. Bobby is no trouble to us.'
Leader Live
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Second half of thrilling North Wales season gets underway
Just 15 points separate the top-six teams in the division and with 18 points being awarded for victories, plenty more twists and turns are anticipated over the coming months. Northop are one of those sides in the mix for the top honour heading into tomorrow's trip to Gwersyllt Park. However, Jamie Griffiths, skipper of seventh-placed Park, wants a third win on the bounce for his team to put them in the conversation. Griffiths said: 'Every game is a challenge and we will never shy away from a challenge. 'Things are picking up. We all know what the jobs are we've got to do and people have got to take responsibilities. 'It's all about improving and we're still a long way from where we want to be, but we are making strides forward. 'It's a building process and this is a big game. If we can beat them, we are in the pack.' Northop bolstered their own lofty aims with a thrilling 13-run triumph at defending champions Mochdre last time out, inspired by a sparkling century from Jordan Evans. 'Jordan batted brilliantly and he is a class player,' said Northop captain Bart Ryan-Beswick. 'It was a good win and the lads bowled really well.' Northop will welcome Welsh international Romano Franco back into the side tomorrow and Ryan-Beswick is anticipating a tough test. He added: 'They are in good nick and it's never an easy place to go and play. 'We are at full strength, so we will give it a good go.' Brymbo have placed themselves in an excellent position after winning six of their matches so far. Dan Parry's side are in fourth position and there's a big game in store tomorrow as they play host to third-placed Mochdre. Parry said: 'This week it's a big game. All of them now are big games. 'There are nine games to go. It will be interesting to see where everybody is and what availability's like. 'We have got some wrongs to put right against Mochdre and so have they. 'We should have beaten them at their place at the start of the season.' Brymbo are weighing up a few changes to their line-up ahead of the match. In another tasty encounter, leaders Bangor pay a visit to fifth-placed Menai Bridge tomorrow, while second-placed St Asaph are at home to basement side Bethesda. In further action, Conwy are at Denbigh. A super Sunday is lined up in the Welsh Cup. Gwersyllt Park will be hoping to avoid a shock when they make the trip to Division One Mold. Meanwhile, an intriguing match-up is in store as Northop Hall welcome Brymbo. 'It will be a challenging game,' admitted Hall skipper Ben Slater. 'They're obviously a very, very good side.' The other tie sees Mochdre at home to Colwyn Bay. Northop were scheduled to be at St Asaph, but this tie has been rearranged for July 6.
Leader Live
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Gwersyllt Park are looking for some run-derful times
Park head west to tackle Menai Bridge tomorrow as they seek to secure a first win of the season. Gwersyllt Park skipper Jamie Griffiths said: 'If we're being totally honest, a few of us give our wickets away. 'Players have got to go on and score bigger runs. Thirties and 40s are not acceptable. We have got to go on and bat the overs out. 'We will get there. This set of lads are great. We have got to work hard to get out of it. 'We have got to get both sides (of the game) right.' A lengthy trek is also in store for Brymbo as they take on basement side Bethesda. Brymbo go into the match after a narrow 11-run loss to unbeaten Bangor and skipper Dan Parry admitted: 'We should have won that one, but it's fine margins. 'It's five runs here and five runs there. 'On another day we would be talking about three from three. 'But we are one from three and we have had quite high points for losses.' Looking ahead, Parry added: 'We have just got to put a run of games together. 'It was nice to right some wrongs (in the Welsh Cup) on Sunday. 'It was nice to see Sam Aplin get his first 100 (against Connah's Quay) on Sunday.' Northop are also looking to bounce back from a defeat as they welcome Conwy tomorrow. Last time out, Northop loss out by seven wickets versus Menai Bridge and captain Bart Ryan-Beswick said: 'It was good to get 200 runs on the board. 'But, it was probably 40 or 50 runs short on a good wicket. 'They chased well and they didn't give us many chances.' Leading the way was a knock of 63 from Elliot Colclough and Ryan-Beswick added: 'Elliot batted very well, which was really good, and good for his confidence.' Looking ahead to Conwy tomorrow, the skipper added: 'It won't be an easy game, but we're at home. It is an important game. We don't want to be dragged down there.' Venumadhav Peram will return for Northop. All-rounder Andrew Swarbrick has swapped Chirk for defending champions Mochdre and he will head to St Asaph with his teammates tomorrow. Elsewhere, Bangor host Denbigh. Division Two: Abergele v Llanrwst; Buckley v Ruthin; Carmel & District v Llay; Corwen v Menai Bridge 2nds; Marchwiel and Wrexham v Pwllheli; Pontblyddyn 2nds v St Asaph 2nds. Division Three: Conwy 2nds v Abergele 2nds; Denbigh 2nds v Bersham; Gresford 2nds v Buckley 2nds; Gwersyllt Park 2nds v Hawarden Park 2nds; Llandudno 2nds v Mold 2nds. Division Four: Bersham 2nds v Mynydd Isa & Maeshafn; Dolgellau 2nds v Bala; Hawarden Park 3rds v Marchwiel and Wrexham 2nds; Llanrwst 2nds v Halkyn 2nds; Pwllheli 2nds v Brymbo 3rds; Ruthin 2nds v Connah's Quay 2nds. Wales National County will conclude their One Day Cup campaign this weekend. Wales, who were beaten by five wickets in their meeting versus Wiltshire earlier this week, will head to Toft on Sunday to take on Cheshire. North Wales players Jac Kennedy, Joe Norman, Romano Franco and Will Ryan were in the line-up for the Wiltshire match-up.
