Rescued Scout is the dog of the year
A DOG from Hinckley has been named Rescue Dog of the Year 2017.
Seven-year-old Scout lives with veterinarian nurse Tracey Ison and her husband Paul, after being rehomed when she was six months old, from East Midwlands Dog Rescue.
The pooch won a hamper from Royal Canin, a pet food company which ran the awards, as his prize, while East Midlands Dog Rescue will receive enough food to feed 50 dogs for a month.
Scout was picked up as a stray puppy in County Durham, initially appearing to be blind and deaf, and suffering from mange and kennel cough.
He had so many issues that rescuers considered putting him down, but three rescue organisations worked together to save his life, and Tracey and Paul fell in love with Scout when they first met.
Tracey said: “Although not deaf, Scout is almost completely blind, but he doesn’t let this hold him back one bit.
“We promised him as normal a life as possible and this is exactly what he has.
“Scout has climbed mountains and paddled in the sea, he has achieved his Bronze Good Citizens award and has even tried his paw at agility.
“He’s now a fundraiser for one of the charities who helped to save his life and also helps to educate people on how life enriching owning a dog with a disability can be.”
Scout is also a Pets As Therapy dog, visiting hospitals and nursing homes to provide a cuddly friend for sick and elderly people to enjoy.
Tracey added: “Scout brings the sunshine into every single day and never fails to melt hearts wherever he goes.”
Tracy also recently published a book about her experience looking after Scout; ‘For the Love of Scout – promises to a small dog’.
It is available from book stores and online.