- Charity launches the first ever Dogs Trust Honours 

Dogs Trust is today (19 November 2007) launching the first ever Dogs Trust Honours and is calling on members of the public to show their devotion to man’s best friend by nominating them for these prestigious awards.

Dedicated to celebrating the myriad of ways in which dogs enhance our lives, the canine version of the Pride of Britain Awards will uncover the most amazing, heart warming and personal stories from across the UK, culminating in a star studded awards ceremony to be held at London’s Guildhall on 6th February 2008.

Nominations can be made online at www.dogstrusthonours.co.uk until midnight on Friday 28th December 2007 and there are five categories in which to nominate canine candidates: Quality of Life Award, Hero Dog Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Triumph Over Adversity Award and the Pickles Award – for any dog which has found buried treasure, foiled a robbery or tracked down a missing person. 

The winners will be chosen by a panel of judges including: Trinny Woodall, proud owner of Dogs Trust rescue dogs Honey and Chunky, as well as cheeky presenter Graham Norton owner of Dogs Trust dog Madge. The awards will be presented by celebrity guests and supporters at the inaugural Dogs Trust Honours awards ceremony on 6th February 2008, with the winner of the special “Triumph Over Adversity Award” being voted for by guests on the night and presented to one of the shortlisted dogs.

Dogs Trust Chief Executive, Clarissa Baldwin OBE, explains:

“Every week Dogs Trust is inundated with stories of how dogs have enriched people’s day to day lives; whether through being a comfort to the sick or the lonely, being a support to those with special needs, or through acts of incredible bravery. 

The Dogs Trust Honours 2008 are a unique opportunity to celebrate all these wonderful stories – and the dogs behind them. 

It’s high time we gave recognition to those dogs who have gone the extra mile for their human companions.”

The public have until midnight on Friday 28th December 2007 to nominate, so come on Britain, get nominating man’s best friend for the Dogs Trust Honours 2008!

ENDS

Notes to Editor:
The closing date for nominations is midnight on Friday 28th December 2007.
Shortlisted nominees will be informed by Monday 14th January 2008.

For further press information please contact the Dogs Trust Press Office:
Anna Robinson     020 7833 7608 anna.robinson@dogstrust.org.uk
Sinead Scott-Lennon 020 7833 7650 sinead.scott.lennon@dogstrust.org.uk
Krystyna McGrath    020 7833 7616 krystyna.mcgrath@dogstrust.org.uk
Hugh Montgomery    020 7833 7620 hugh.montgomery@dogstrust.org.uk
Jennifer Blaber    020 7833 7676 jennifer.blaber@dogstrust.org.uk

Or alternatively, please call the out of hours press office mobile on 07768 616 280 or visit www.dogstrusthonours.co.uk

Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, and is dedicated to ensuring the welfare of dogs. Through its network of 17 Rehoming Centres across the UK, the charity cares for over 15,000 stray, unwanted and abandoned dogs each year.
 
Dogs Trust has a non-destruction policy, and will never put a healthy dog to sleep. The charity is working towards the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction.

To find out where your nearest Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre is located, call us on 020 7837 0006 or visit our website: www.dogstrust.org.uk