Lanarkshire dog lovers can take the lead and put their prized pooches forward for next year’s Kennel Club Hero Dog Award.
Nominations are now open for accolade, which will be presented at Crufts 2025 and is supported by The Kennel Club Charitable Trust.
Categories span from rescue and working dogs, to simply “best friends”.
From the nominations, five heroic finalists, each of whom are awarded donations for their canine charity of choice, will head to Crufts next year, with a public vote deciding the winner.
At this year’s Crufts, search and rescue dog Vesper was announced as the winner of the prestigious 2024 award by Paralympian Libby Clegg.
The Kennel Club, organisers of Crufts, is now searching for more inspirational four-legged friends and is calling for the Lanarkshire public to nominate those unsung canine heroes who deserve to be recognised for what they do for its Hero Dog Award 2025.
The winner will be revealed at Crufts on March 9 and be awarded £5000 from The Kennel Club Charitable Trust for a dog charity of their choice, while the runners up will receive £1000 for their chosen dog charity.
Nominations for four-legged heroes can be made in the following categories:
Extraordinary life of a working dog – For those who have shown extraordinary qualities working in the army, police force, RAF, airport, search and rescue etc.
Hero support dog – Celebrating all support and assistance dogs, from medical detection dogs or hearing dogs to therapy dogs or pets who provide emotional support.
Best friends – Celebrating a canine companion 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 (aged 16 and under).
Rescue dog hero – For a rescue dog who has overcome adversity and gone on to irrevocably improve the life of their owner/s.
Cathy Guiver, head of events at The Kennel Club, told Lanarkshire Live: “Every day, countless dogs are out there making a difference – whether they’re protecting us, empowering and aiding people with disabilities, or simply offering unconditional love and companionship.
“The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, with the prestigious final held at Crufts, celebrates this incredible impact our canine heroes have on our lives.
“We want to hear your stories of dogs who have changed a life, brought comfort, or shown extraordinary courage.
“We invite everyone who owns or knows a dog that has made a remarkable difference to nominate their unsung canine hero and help us shine a spotlight on why dogs are truly our best friends.”
Nominations are open until October 20 and can be submitted online.
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