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Child’s Best Friend
Fourteen- year- old Olivia Lawrence tragically lost her mother, grandmother and best friend over the course of two years, leading to her becoming depressed, anxious and withdrawn. Olivia’s aunt introduced her to eight- week- old Jack Russell terrier and dachshund cross Roxy and the puppy’s calm character soon changed the teenager’s outlook on life as they played together. Last year Olivia became a member of the Young Kennel Club and decided to take Roxy to dog shows, which they both love.
Golden Oldie
After growing up on the streets of Romania, Icey was found nearly frozen to death in a public shelter three years ago. The collie corgi cross weighed only 15lb, had no teeth or tail, split ears and was on the brink of death. Val Philips, who runs a border collie rescue centre in Surrey, was sent his picture in December 2013 and knew she had to do something to rescue him. Since being brought to the UK, Val has seen Icey make a full recovery and is now a happy, healthy dog. THE remarkable way that dogs prove they truly are man’s best friend is being celebrated in a special Crufts competition that will bring a tear to the eye. Four compelling stories showing how pets helped their owners overcome the most diffi cult hardships are being chosen by public vote that will see the winner crowned at the show on Sunday, March 13. See details below.
The Eukanuba Friends For Life competition is run by the Kennel Club to highlight the remarkable impact a dog can have on a human life.
This year’s fi nalists are all effective winners because the cherished pets have already made such a difference in helping their owners’ daily challenges. Here are their stories…
Best Rescue
Helen Lewis wasn’t looking for another pet after experiencing intense heartbreak when she lost her dog Mandy to cancer but then Bella the stray came into her life. Bella had been treated badly. She was covered in injuries and been starved close to death. Bella also needed a great deal of training because she was experiencing social and behavioural issues. With a large amount of love, dedication and training she has become an extremely well behaved dog and Helen’s best friend. Teddy Bear the little crossbreed has drastically changed Louise’s life. As someone who has lived with depression for many years, as well as dealing with physical problems resulting from a car accident when she was a teenager, Louise struggles with day- to- day tasks and Teddy has been trained to help.
Proving to be much more than just a companion, Teddy has given Louise her independence back and the pair attend dog shows as well as raising funds for various charities and even has his own offi cial fan club.
For full terms and conditions, please visit crufts. org. uk/ ffl terms, or for more information about the competition, visit crufts. org. uk/ content/ eukanuba- friendsfor- life
2016 If famous author Jilly Cooper books she is bound to hear som she enters the Crufts show ar confi rmed dog lover will be jud Scruffts, the ever- popular co whose lives read like works Handsome heroes and pretty and down- at- heel characters t a tale of a golden oldie and an i a child’s heart. The fi nal of the
the year, run by the Kennel C Wellbeloved, is being held at th March 12. Now in its 16th yea world’s greatest dog show turn to crossbreeds. Deciding wh canine world’s most celebra tough challenge for Ms Coope as you will see from each o
Here are their be Boo quickly learned to detect her owner’s oncoming PTSD attacks and helped her with day- to- day tasks.
Boo suffers from a heart condition and when she recently collapsed, vets didn’t expect her to last the night. But the plucky lurcher is back on her feet and by Rosie’s side once more. Scooby joined the Pearman family as an eight- week- old puppy and has since learnt to monitor diabetic Sophie’s blood sugar levels, saving her twice from going into a potentially fatal diabetic coma. Scooby also acts as a constant companion to the 13 year old.
Sophie was born with a bleed on her brain and spina bifi da and her family were told that she would never walk, talk or read and that she may not survive.
But she proved everyone wrong and fought for her life, much to the amazement of her neurosurgeon. Voting closes at 2pm on Sunday, March 13 and the winner will be revealed in the Genting Arena at Crufts that evening. To vote for your favourite, text AZ, BOO, SCOOBY or TEDDY to 82727. Each text vote will cost £ 1 plus the standard network rate. All profi ts from votes will be donated to the Kennel Club Charitable Trust to help make a difference for dogs.