Pet Idol Indie's a big softie

FAVOURITE: Indie the Rottweiler and mum Melissa Osborne (middle) receive their prize hamper from Masterton Pet Shop manager Kelly Miller (left) and store owner Tracey Cooper.

A "huge and cuddly" mama's girl from Carterton has won the hearts of pet-lovers in Wairarapa -- and a handsome prize to go with it.

Indie, a six-month-old Rottweiler pup, is the winner of Midweek's second annual Pet Idol photo competition, sponsored by Masterton Pet Shop.

With her glossy, trademark black and tan coat, liquid brown eyes, and cute skull bandanna in her photo, Indie was a clear favourite with readers, scooping the Pet Idol title by a clear margin -- 25 votes ahead of the second-place getter.

Receiving her prize from Masterton Pet Shop, Indie was no less impressive: slightly bigger, but still suitably adorable in her bright pink "Mum's Girl" dog jumper.

Owner Melissa Osborne of Carterton said she was "so excited" to hear of Indie's win.

"I'm stoked -- I was so happy when got the email. Indie's my baby, and she deserves to win, I think," she said.

Melissa said she got Indie, her second "Rottie", from a breeder on Norfolk Rd. Her first, Nala, sadly died at age two-and-a-half.

"Nala was very stubborn and high-spirited, always doing her own thing, but Indie is very placid -- she actually listens to me."

She said Indie enjoys long walks, has learned to play soccer, and is doing well at her obedience classes with Wairarapa Dog Training Club at Clareville Showgrounds.

"She loves it -- she loves learning new tricks. I'm going to try teaching her to swim as a summer project."

Melissa said she loves the Rottweiler breed because of their loving, gentle temperament -- underneath their powerful exterior.

"They're so big, but so friendly. People tend to think they're scary-looking, but they're so cuddly and smoochy. I don't think I'll ever want another breed."

Indie won a large bag of Royal Canin dog food and a prize hamper, with plenty of chew toys.