Four dog heroes are being celebrated for their inspiring canine companionship at the annual Eukanuba Friends for Life competition, run by the Kennel Club.
The four dogs which have made the 2016 shortlist were selected by a panel of judges, including dog loving actor Martin Clunes, for their outstanding loyalty to their owners and for the way that they have irrevocably changed their lives.
The pets shortlisted are: an autism assistance dog that stopped a seven year-old boy biting himself in frustration and shutting himself off in his own world; a Labrador that saved his teenage owner twice from going into a potentially fatal diabetic coma; a Lurcher giving his owner a reason to live again following complications in pregnancy that left her unable to have children; and a dog helping his owner who considered taking her own life following depression caused by bullying.
Actor and Eukanuba Friends for Life judge, Martin Clunes, commented: “The quality this year is as high as it’s ever been in this competition. It testifies how many amazing heroic relationships there are between people and their dogs and the fact that dogs just simply keep on giving.
“It is a massive honour for the owners that their wonderful dogs get the recognition they truly deserve. Congratulations to all the finalists.”
Annaliese Reekie, managing director for competition sponsors, Eukanuba UK comments: “At Eukanuba, we encourage owners to bring out the extraordinary in their dogs by providing them with premium nutrition and appropriate care, and as such, we’re thrilled to be sponsoring a competition that cares as much about our canine companions as we do. I have always had dogs in my life so know the joy, comfort and loyalty they bring – ultimately they will never let you down.”
For more information about the competition visit http://www.crufts.org.uk/eukanubafriendsforlife
