VOTE OPEN TO PUBLIC TO CROWN UK’s MOST HEROIC DOG IN CRUFTS AWARD

Nominees of the annual Hero Dog Award include a record-breaking blood donor dog and another who walked 3,000 miles alongside his grieving owner.

A blood donor dog who saved over 168 lives and an English Setter-cross who accompanied his grieving owner on a seven-month hike are among the finalists for this year’s Hero Dog Award.

The Kennel Club, organizers of Crufts, has announced the five finalists nominated for their annual Hero Dog Award.

The finalists were chosen by the Kennel Club’s panel of judges, and the winner will be determined through a public vote, with the announcement set for March 9, the final day of Crufts.

The nominees include an eight-year-old Gordon Setter named Sharwood, who set a new record by donating over 40 times, contributing 22.5kg of blood to the Pet Blood Bank to help critically ill or injured pets in need.

Sharwood’s owner, Sue Mitchell from Eaton Bray in Bedfordshire, expressed her joy: “I’m absolutely thrilled that Sharwood holds the record for the most donations given to the Pet Blood Bank.”

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

English Setter-cross Louis has also been shortlisted for the award. Alongside his owner, Nick Johnson from Wiltshire, Louis embarked on a remarkable journey of more than 3,000 miles along the English coastline, honoring Nick’s late wife, Lisa, who passed away from ovarian cancer.

Nick explained: “The idea for the walk came about just two days before Lisa passed away. She asked, ‘What are you going to do when I’m gone?’ After thinking about it, I replied, ‘I’m going to take our dog and walk around the country to raise awareness for Ovarian Cancer Action, to honor you.’”

The pair braved harsh weather and tough terrain throughout their seven-month trek, raising over £60,000, enough to sponsor a specialist cancer researcher in Lisa’s memory.

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.”

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

Baloo, now retired, spent her later years with Mandy Chapman, a former police dog handler. Together, they visited the Essex Police team impacted by her past work, bringing comfort and support. They also played a key role in the launch of the “Oscar Kilo” wellbeing and trauma support dog service, which now includes more than 250 dogs across the UK.

Mandy Chapman shared, “It’s incredible what Baloo has achieved in her life, especially after such a traumatic experience and serious injuries. Her disability hasn’t stopped her. Over the last six years, she’s changed lives and brought smiles every day.”

Other nominees include Rosa, a Pomeranian who helps her eight-year-old owner, Rozalyn Merrett, care for her severely autistic brother, Rory. Also nominated is Tilly, a therapy dog who was abandoned as a puppy but now provides regular therapy visits to care homes, schools, colleges, and prisons.

Rozalyn, from Retford in Nottinghamshire, said, “Rosa is so special. With Rory, I could never cope, but Rosa has helped me. I still get worried sometimes, but I feel happy with her.”

Tilly’s owner, Emily Washington from Strood in Kent, commented, “Tilly has overcome everything life has thrown at her. From being a dumped puppy to becoming a therapy and assistance dog, she truly deserves recognition for all she’s done for so many people.”

Bill Lambert, spokesperson for Crufts, said, “This award is a chance to honor our unsung canine heroes—dogs who quietly change lives in their unique ways, keep us safe, show extraordinary courage, and stand by our sides through it all. These five finalists perfectly embody why dogs are known as ‘man’s best friend.’ We encourage the public to vote and show support for these remarkable dogs and their unwavering loyalty, companionship, and bravery.”

The Crufts competition will take place from March 6 until March 9 at the NEC in Birmingham.

To find out more or place a vote, visit: crufts.org.uk/herodogaward