Five ‘life-changing’ dogs shortlisted for top hero award at Crufts

A rescue border terrier, a working border collie and a “heroic” Labrador retriever who helps his owner complete over 100 daily tasks are among the finalists for Crufts’ 2018 Friends For Life award.

A total of five furry helpers, including a hearing assistance cocker-spaniel/poodle cross called Waffle and an ultra-loving shih tzu named Buttons are up for the prestigious annual prize which honours dogs who play a leading role in helping people battle adversity.

“He’s had the most profound impact on my life,” she said.

“Just owning him saved my life in many respects, and then we found this organisation last year, Canine Generated Independence, and he is now training to be my assistance dog.”

“I always say he’s the David Beckham of border terriers,” she said.

“He loves to pose – he’s just such a character.”

Ms Syvertsen, a wheelchair user who suffers from the rare connective tissue disorder, Ehlers Danlos syndrome, relies on Griffin to assist her with over 100 physical chores, from opening doors, to loading and unloading the washing machine and flushing the toilet.

“He’s opened a whole new world for me,” she said.

“I couldn’t be without him. I’m more independent, I can go out on my own, I can start doing all sorts of different things that I want to do, without the need of a carer.”

Selected from more than 300 applicants by judges at Crufts’ governing body, The Kennel Club, each of the finalists has been chosen from five distinct categories before being entered for an all-important public vote to name the top dog at an awards ceremony next month.

The winner will receive £5,000 from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust for the dog charity of their choice, and other finalists will also receive £1,000 towards their own canine charities.

Members of the public can vote for the top prize winner at www.crufts.org.uk/friendsforlife, before the results are announced at Crufts, in the Genting Arena in Birmingham on Sunday, March 11.