Penny up for a Paw Hero award

A COUNTY Wicklow pooch called Penny has been nominated for this year’s Irish Kennel Club’s Golden Paw Hero Dog Awards.

Penny - a Maltese-Poodle cross - was nominated for the prestigious award by her owner, Gabriella Cannon from Arklow.

The Golden Paw Dog Hero Awards recognise exceptional acts of canine heroism or help that take place across the country, as well as dogs that have changed their owner’s lives for the better.

Gabriella decided to nominate Penny (who she has owned since September of last year) an account of the great comfort she provided after her mother passed away from pancreatic cancer in November. Gabriella initially bought Penny for her mum as a means to help her deal with her illness, but after her passing took Penny in, and found her to be a loving companion an a great source of comfort through a very difficult time.

The Golden Paw Awards are broken into five categories: exemplary companion/ lifechanging dog, therapy/guide dog, bravery dog, search and rescue dog and law enforcement. Five contenders will be selected - one from each category - before the overall winner is announced later this year.