Nominate your best friend for Dog Hero Award

This year’s winner...Leo with owner Lyndsey Uglow, James Middleton and Rev Bill King at Crufts. (Pic: Flick.digital).

Formerly known as the Friends for Life competition, it celebrates heart-warming stories of how humans and dogs transform and enrich each other’s lives.

The winner will be revealed at Crufts 2021 in Birmingham on March 14 and will be awarded £5000 for a dog charity of their choice.

Runners up will receive £1000 for their dog charities.

The public is being asked to nominate dogs in five categories:

Extraordinary life of a working dog – For those working in the army, police force, RAF, airport, search and rescue etc.

Hero support dog - Celebrating all support and assistance dogs.

Best friends – Celebrating a pet dog who has seen its owner through the hardest times as well as the happiest.

Child’s champion – Recognising a dog that has supported and had a positive impact on a child’s life (16 years and under).

Rescue dog hero – For a rescue dog who has overcome adversity and gone on to improve the life of its owner/s.

Five finalists will be chosen to go forward to the final at Crufts and the overall winner, selected by public vote, will be announced before the grand finale of Best in Show.

Vanessa McAlpine, Crufts show manager, said: “We are very much looking forward to holding the Dog Hero Award competition at Crufts in 2021, which will be the 130th anniversary show.

“The newly-named competition will showcase simply why the award is so important in promoting the significant role that dogs play in our lives.

“Every day there are dogs out there saving lives in war zones, giving confidence and independence to those with disabilities and showing remarkable bravery and loyalty as pets.

“The Kennel Club Dog Hero Award epitomises what Crufts is about – we care for dogs and they care for us.

“We’re looking forward to hearing from anybody who has a heart-warming tale about how their dog has changed their life for the better or how a friend has had their life changed by their dog.

“The winner will take centre stage at Crufts 2021, an event which is dedicated to celebrating the diverse role that dogs play in society and the way that they enrich our lives.”

Nominations are open until October 12 and can be made by visiting www.crufts.org.uk/whats-on/the-kennel-club-dog-hero-award.