Finalists announced for UK's most heroic dog as voting opens to public

The nominations for the UK’s most heroic dog have been revealed, ITV News Reporter Mark McQuillan has the latest

A record blood donor dog and a grieving owners canine companion are among the nominations for Crufts’ annual Hero Dog Award.

Judges from the Kennel Club, which runs Crufts, have selected its five finalists to go forward for a public vote with the winner announced on March 9, the final day of the competition.

Sharwood

The nominees include an eight-year-old Gordon Setter named Sharwood, who broke records by giving more than 40 donations, 22.5kg of blood, to the Pet Blood Bank for critically ill or injured pets in need.

Sharwood’s owner Sue Mitchell, from Eaton Bray in Bedfordshire, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Sharwood is the record holder for the number of donations given to Pet Blood Bank.

“He’s actually saved the lives of over 168 other dogs, I think he’s amazing.”

Louis

English Setter-cross Louis has also been shortlisted after he and his owner Nick Johnson, from Wiltshire, embarked on a journey across more than 3,000 miles of English coastline in memory of Nick’s late wife, Lisa, who died of ovarian cancer.

Mr Johnson said: “The idea for the walk really came about two days before Lisa passed away.

“She said ‘what are you going to do when I’m gone?’ and I thought about it, and said ‘I’m going to take our dog, and I’m going to walk around our country, to raise awareness for Ovarian Cancer Action, and to honour you.’”

The duo braved difficult weather and challenging terrain during a seven-month walk, raising more than £60,000 in donations, enough to sponsor a specialist cancer researcher in Lisa’s name.

Mr Johnson added: “I’m extremely proud of what Louis and I have achieved, for the charity and for ourselves.

“I couldn’t envisage my life without him, I don’t really know who rescued who.”

Baloo

Also nominated is police dog Baloo, who suffered a leg amputation in 2018 after she was hit by a suspect’s car fleeing a crime scene.

Baloo retired with Mandy Chapman, a former police dog handler, who later took her to see the team at Essex Police who were affected by the incident.

The pair went on to support the launch of the “Oscar Kilo” wellbeing and trauma support dogs service – which now counts more than 250 support dogs across the UK.

Ms Chapman said: “It’s phenomenal what Baloo has achieved in her life, after such a trauma and serious injuries.

“Her disability hasn’t stopped her, in the last six years she’s changed lives and spread smiles every day.”

Rosa

Other nominees include Rosa, a Pomeranian who supports her eight-year-old owner Rozalyn Merrett who cares for her severely autistic brother Rory.

Rozalyn, who lives in Retford, Nottinghamshire, said: “Rosa is so special.

“With Rory I could never cope, but Rosa’s helped me.

“I still get worried sometimes, but I feel happy with her.”

Tilly

A therapy dog Tilly, is also nominated. She was abandoned as a puppy and went on to provide regular therapy visits to care homes, schools, colleges and prisons.

Tilly’s owner Emily Washington, from Strood in Kent, said: “Tilly has overcome everything life has thrown at her.

“From a dumped puppy to a therapy and assistance dog, she deserves the recognition for what she has done for so many people.”

Bill Lambert, a spokesperson for Crufts, said: “This award is an opportunity to celebrate our unsung canine heroes – those dogs that quietly go about changing people’s lives in their own unique and special way.”

“These five finalists go to show exactly why dogs are known as ‘man’s best friend’, and we urge the public to vote and show their support for these extraordinary dogs and their unwavering loyalty, companionship and bravery.”

Crufts is set to take place from March 6 until March 9 at the NEC in Birmingham.