- Charity announces the canine nominees for the 2008 awards

Dogs Trust is today (14th January 2008) announcing the shortlist for the Dogs Trust Honours 2008 – dubbed the canine version of the Pride of Britain awards.

The 17 shortlisted dogs from across the UK have been selected from over 150 candidates nominated by members of the public. The winners will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony being held at London’s Guildhall on 6th February 2008.

Dedicated to celebrating the myriad of ways in which dogs enhance our lives, the awards have uncovered amazing, heart warming and personal stories.

Dogs Trust Chief Executive, Clarissa Baldwin OBE, explains:

“This is the first year the charity has run the Dogs Trust Honours and we are delighted by the number of dogs that have been nominated. There are so many moving stories, highlighting the wonderful bond between man and dog. There simply won’t be a dry eye in the house on 6th February – truly a night to remember!”

Celebrity judges 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 will select  winners of the Quality of Life Award, Lifetime Achievement Award and Pickles Award with the winner of the Triumph Over Adversity Award being voted for by guests on the night . Readers of The Sun will be voting for the winner of the Hero Dog Award.

The awards will be presented by celebrity guests and supporters. However the VIP guests will be the dogs themselves – a first for London’s famous Guildhall.

CASE STUDY
Floss, a 13 year old Lurcher, has been nominated for The Quality of Life Award by her owner Yvonne Henderson.

Aged only 29, Yvonne was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago. Overnight her world fell apart as she coped with living with the uncertainty and a regime of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy - a tough battle from the outset.  Through it all Floss was by Yvonne’s side.

In her own words Yvonne says:
“Floss was the one constant in an ever changing world, happy to sit and lick the tears from my face and not demanding of walks when she knew I was too poorly to go out.  We spent many hours curled up together, her head resting on my knee, or her friendly paw resting gently on my leg just doing enough to let me know she was there with me. I couldn't have asked for a better friend.  She gave her all and asked for nothing in return.  She was my motivation, my inspiration and my reason to keep fighting.  Without her the fight would have been so much harder, impossible even.  And I know for sure that I wouldn’t have come through it with the same positive outlook that I have for the future.” 

Yvonne nominated Floss for the Quality of Life Award as her canine companion showed her the true meaning of unconditional love, of loyalty and trust; lessons to change life now and in the future.

ENDS

Notes to Editor:
- The winners will be announced at the Dogs Trust Honours 2008 at London’s Guildhall.
- There are three shortlisted dogs for the Quality of Life Award, Lifetime Achievement Award and Pickles Award. The winners will be chosen by celebrity judges and announced at the awards ceremony.
- There are three shortlisted dogs for the Triumph Over Adversity Award. The winner of this award will be chosen by guests at the awards ceremony.
- The Hero Dog Award is being sponsored by The Sun and there are five nominated dogs in this category who will be chosen by The Sun readers and announced at the awards ceremony.

For a full list of shortlisted dogs in each category, please visit www.dogstrusthonours.org.uk or contact the Dogs Trust Press Office:

Dogs Trust Press Office:
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

All shortlisted dogs and owners are happy to be interviewed and photographed. There are also images of the shortlisted dogs available.

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

Dogs Trust is working towards the day when all dogs enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction.