The award celebrates unsung canine heroes.
Nominations have officially opened for Crufts’ Kennel Club Hero Dog Award 2024.
The award, supported by Kennel Club’s Charitable Trust, highlights the relationships people have with their dogs, and celebrates the important role of dogs throughout our lives and in the face of adversity.
It encourages people to nominate dogs which they think make a difference in the world across a number of categories, including rescue dogs, working dogs and those considered ‘best friends’.
The categories include:
- Extraordinary life of a working dog – for dogs who have worked in the army, police force, RAF, airport, search and rescue and more.
- Hero support dog – for support and assistance dogs, including hearing, medical detection, therapy and emotional support dogs.
- Best friends – for dogs who have helped their owner through the hardest times.
- Child’s champion – for dogs who have supported and had a positive impact on a child’s life (16 years and under).
- Rescue dog hero – for rescue dogs who have overcome adversity to improve their owners’ lives.
Retired police dog Stella was announced as the 2023 winner at last year’s Crufts, where broadcaster Kay Burley presented the award live on Channel 4.
Despite starting life as a rescue dog, Stella went on to serve eight and a half years with Gloucestershire Police as a drugs, cash and firearms recovery dog. Alongside her owner and handler PC Claire Todd, Stella found weapons and thousands of pounds worth of drugs and money.
“Stella being awarded The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award 2023 is just amazing,” said Claire.
“She is so special because she’s a rescue dog and also the first Staffordshire Bull Terrier in the country to be a police dog."
Nominations for the 2024 awards are open until 18 October 2023, from which five finalists will be chosen to attend the final at Crufts 2024.
The results of a public vote will be announced before the grand finale of Crufts 2024, which will take place 10 March 2024. The winner will receive £5,000 for their chosen charity, with the runner-ups receiving £1,000 donations.
Cathy Guiver, head of events at The Kennel Club said: “The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, with the prestigious final held at Crufts, celebrates these unsung canine heroes – those who have changed their owner’s life, made a difference for a friend or family, or put their paws on the line to protect or improve our lives. We urge anyone who knows of a four-legged hero to put them forward for the title of The Kennel Club’s Hero Dog 2024 and showcase the difference they have made.
“Our finalists will take centre stage at Crufts, an event which is dedicated to celebrating the diverse role that dogs play in society and all the ways that they transform our lives for the better.”
Nominations can be made here.
Image © The Kennel Club/Beat Media
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