MEET Misty, who is hoping to be crowned Britain’s Next Dog Model 2011.

The Chinese crested pooch has made it into the semi-finals of the contest which is striving to find the face of pet product, grooming and training firm Mikki for the next 12 months.

Misty belongs to Knebworth resident Imogen Jennings, a head trainer at Graveley-based Barking Mad Dog Training School.

Britain’s Next Dog Model 2011 was launched in April to coincide with National Grooming Week and National Pet Month.

More than 1,500 votes were cast on Facebook and 10 semi-finalists chosen.

And you can still vote for Misty to reach the final – the three dogs with the most votes by tomorrow (Friday) will progress to the last stage.

Then, an esteemed panel of judges, including award-winning groomer Alison Rogers, Mikki brand manager Anh Nguyen and representatives from The Blue Cross and sponsors PetPlanet.co.uk, will select the winner, to be announced on Wednesday.

As well as being the face of Mikki’s advertising for the next year, the winning dog, along with his or her owner, will be treated to an exclusive photoshoot session.

Imogen, of Orchard Way, told the Welwyn Hatfield Times: “It would be silly to say Misty wants to win – she’s got no idea – but I want to win!

“Misty loves showing off and she’s got a bit of attitude. She’s got lots of health problems, though, so this goes to show it’s not just about a dog that looks perfect.”

The 23-year-old added: “I really wanted to get into work like TV and films. This competition came up and I thought it was a good idea.”

* Read more about the competition in this week’s Welwyn Hatfield Times.

And follow the link above right to vote for Misty on Facebook. Hurry – you’ve only got until tomorrow (Friday).