Britain’s Unsung Four-Legged Heroes
The Crufts Friends for Life Competition, presented by the Kennel Club, is the search for Britain’s ultimate hero – of the four legged variety – and the voting lines for this year’s six finalists are now open.
A police dog; a hearing dog that has been placed with a seven year old child; a search and rescue dog who found the body of Doctor David Kelly; a regular companion dog that became a woman’s hero after she fled domestic violence; a dog that helped a lady achieve her dreams despite suffering from a life-long illness and an assistance dog that is a former army hero’s new best friend – all are amongst those searching for your votes in order to be crowned as Crufts Friends for Life Winner 2009.
The Crufts Friends for Life Competition, which has been running since 2006, celebrates heart-warming stories of friendship in adversity, where dogs have truly earned the title of man’s best friend, through bravery, support or companionship.
The dog that the public has voted as having the most truly deserving tale will be presented with its trophy during a special ceremony in the main arena at the Birmingham NEC, on the final night of Crufts (Sunday 8th March).
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club spokesperson, said: “Friends for Life is an opportunity to celebrate and reward those dogs who quietly go about changing people’s lives in their own unique and special way. This year we have six truly deserving finalists and we hope that people will pick up the phone and vote for the dog that they think is the most deserving of this accolade.
“Crufts celebrates the diverse role that dogs play in society and the way that they enrich our lives, through a vast range of competitions and events. From Friends for Life and our brand new We Love Our Dogs competition, where people have been invited to send in You Tube videos and photographs of their happy, healthy dogs, through to the agility and obedience displays and Best in Show competition – all celebrate the range of talents and hobbies displayed and enjoyed by dogs and the reasons why they have earned the title of man’s best friend.”
CRUFTS FRIENDS FOR LIFE FINALISTS 2009
Watch their stories unfold here.
FARLEY, A BLACK LABRADOR, AND STEVE GILL FROM BANBURY, LEICESTERSHIRE
Assistance dog, Farley, has made a soft touch out of former British Army Soldier, Steve, who lost both of his legs and one eye during a posting in Northern Ireland when he was 20 years old. Now, twenty years on, Steve has adapted to his new life, and limbs, with the help of his right hand man Farley – who empties his washing machine, opens doors and fetches Steve’s prosthetic limbs and carries out other tasks that give Steve his independence and confidence.
GEM, A YELLOW LABRADOR AND OWNER EVIE CROOK FROM DRONFIELD, DERBYSHIRE
Seven year-old Evie is the youngest deaf person in the UK to receive a hearing dog and her life has since changed immeasurably. Evie now has the confidence to sleep on her own for the first time in her life and Gem alerts her to sounds and voices so that she doesn’t feel isolated from those around her.
HARRY, A TIBETAN TERRIER AND OWNER CAROLINE RICH FROM WALES
Harry was the only companion for Caroline when she was made homeless after fleeing from domestic violence. Caroline Rich, from Wales, was made homeless after fleeing domestic violence and found that Harry, her Tibetan Terrier was the only person that she count turn to for unconditional love and friendship, really earning his title of Caroline’s new ‘best friend’. When United Welsh Housing Association stepped in to offer Caroline temporary accommodation it thankfully recognised Caroline and Harry’s love for each other, changing its policy to enable them to stay together. Caroline and Harry’s bond was so strong that appeals for help through charitable organisations and the internet meant that others stepped in as well, to ensure that Harry had all of the food and care he needed and Caroline all of the love that had become so essential for her, from her four-legged friend.
TAKARA, A DALMATIAN AND CHARLOTTE BENNETT FROM CROOKESMOOR, SHEFFIELD
Takara came into twenty year-old Charlotte’s life when she was a teenager and made sure that her future will now be a very different place to the isolating experience of her childhood. Since she was born Charlotte has been battling Klippel Trenaunay Syndrome (KTS) – which can cause internal bleeding, immobility and other complications – meaning that she was often left battling for her life while hospitalised and away from her friends. When she got Takara Charlotte found a whole new lease of life, making new friends and finding the strength to follow her dream in life and set up a specialist pet shop and run dog training classes.
BROCK, COLLIE CROSS AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD AND OWNER LOU HOLMES FROM BRACKNELL, BERKSHIRE
A lowland search and rescue dog who has changed or saved countless lives through air scenting and trailing work that can detect where a missing person was last located. He was responsible for finding the body of government scientist, Dr David Kelly and helped, in these tragic circumstances to provide closure for his family. He has also helped to bring home countless Alzheimer’s sufferers and others, who are despondent and go missing in the lowlands.
ANYA, GERMAN SHEPHERD AND OWNER PC NEIL SAMPSON FROM WILTSHIRE
Won Police Dog of the Year Award in after bravely confronting an armed attacker when she was just two years old and only six months into her police dog training, in 2008. Despite sustaining injuries to her chest as the attacker launched a frenzied assault on her and PC Sampson, she continued to remain focused on the attacker in order to protect her handler.
