Hero Dog Award – Meet the 2022 Finalists

In March 2022, judges from the largest dog rescue organization will award the top prize to one of the 5 hero dog finalists. The annual award, celebrates the extraordinary dogs who have changed and better the lives of humans.

The nominees include:

• Scott Bailey, from Crewe in Cheshire, started losing his sight in 2019. Scott applied for a guide dog but sadly, due to Covid-19 the country went into lockdown and his training with Milo the Golden Retriever was postponed. Eventually, in September 2020, Milo finally became a full-time family member of the Bailey household and by November, he and Scott had qualified together as owner and guide dog.
• Pete Lewin, from Leicester, runs a non-profit organisation working with his Newfoundland dogs for suicide prevention. This amazing team provides support for staff from front-line emergency services and military veterans, and those struggling with their mental health. With the Covid-19 pandemic, this has never been more important.
• Five-year-old Springer Spaniel, Simba, assists his handler Anton Keach in the London Fire Brigade as a Fire Investigation Dog. Simba is a crucial member of this life-saving team because he can very quickly detect a variety of ignitable substances and help determine whether a fire has been started deliberately, ensuring justice for victims of horrific arson crimes.
• Chewie was found abandoned with his littermates at just 12 weeks old. They were heartbreakingly found half buried in a bag with their paws and mouths taped up. Loretta and Ray Whiteley, from Leyland, Lancashire, adopted Chewie and were determined to care for him after his sad start to life. Chewie became a very important family member, helping Ray, who has multiple sclerosis, with his confidence.
• Ruby, a Golden Retriever, has a special relationship with 16-year-old Olivia Cunliffe, from Barnsley, Yorkshire. Olivia has cerebral palsy and Ruby helps her every day with her pain, anxiety and stress. Olivia loves to give her biscuits and Ruby likes to bring her clothes and help in any way she can.

The UK Kennel Club Hero Dog Award takes place at Crufts each year. It celebrates the unique relationship people have with their dogs, the important role man’s best friend plays throughout our lives and the support they give us in the face of adversity.

The public has been asked to vote for their favorite dog.

PetArt.us celebrates the special features that make our pets unique. The history, description and personality of each pet breed is researched and included int the art I create. By creating these one-of-a-kind artworks, a pet lover can showcase the distinctive words that make each breed different from another. Adding the pet’s name makes the art more personal and meaningful for the pet owner. Each artwork is meant to honor the pet while serving as a way for viewers to appreciate the specialness of the breed and why the owner chose that particular breed to add to his family. Our 4 paw family members deserve a special place in our home that shows our love.