Search is on for the bow-wow factor

WE all love our dogs — they’re loyal, funny, cuddly and comforting — but is yours extra special?

Next week, the Mercury launches Dogs of Oz, a weeklong celebration of the bond between us and our four-legged friends.

We are searching for Australia’s top dog — with the winner getting a morning makeover on Channel 7 from a Pooch Perfect groomer, a $5000 voucher from our friends at Petbarn, plus return flights to Sydney and one night’s accommodation at Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour for you and your dog.

Dogs of Oz contender miniature schnauzer Ruby means the world to her Howrah family.

Owner Victoria Hill said the now five-year-old came into their lives about two weeks before their 18-yearold west highland white terrier Holly died.

She said her son Finlay and daughter Freya, aged 18 and 14 respectively, absolutely adore Ruby.

“She talks to them and all the tension from their day goes away,” Ms Hill said.

“She’s bubbly, giving and always makes eye contact.

“If you’re not looking back at her she will tap you with her foot.

“Without her I’m not sure any of us would function at the level we do.

“She is a very valued member of the family. She gives us a lot more than we give her.”

Ruby isn’t just a supportive canine companion, she can also sit, drop, weave, shake a paw and stand on her back legs.

Can your pooch perform special tricks? Have they done something out of the ordinary? Do they have a compelling backstory? Or are they simply special for being themselves? Send us a photo and tell us in a few words what gives them the canine X-factor to win. Whether it’s just your K9, you and your furry pal, or the whole family and Fido, let’s celebrate our beloved hounds. Snap, share and enter at dogsofoz.com.au