Doggy Victors at 2010 Dogs Trust Honours
Tamara Ecclestone and John Partridge with Tilly.
Guests enjoyed nibbles and kibbles galore at the glitzy ceremony which tool place at London's Jasmine Studios. The event was created by Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity, to spotlight the countless ways in which dogs enrich our lives.
Speaking at the awards, Clarissa Baldwin, Dogs Trust CEO, said: "Dogs are so often the unsung heroes of peoples' lives, and the Honours pays tribute to all those magnificent mutts who make life more joyful. It's a world away from the traditional dog show in fact it's more like a hairy hybrid of The Pride of Britain awards and the Oscars. The Honours shows that canine beauty really is all about the heart."
And the winners are:
The Sun Hero Dog Award – for dogs working for the armed forces and emergency services.
Barney, a fearless fire investigation dog belonging to Kerry Burns, collected this award in a blaze of glory. Barney wears his protective boots in the line of duty working for the Buckinghamshire Fire Service to ascertain whether arson is to blame for each blaze and so far he has sniffed out 286 fire scenes.
Pets at Home Dogged Devotion Award – for dogs who have provided emotional support for their owners.
Treacle was rehomed from Dogs Trust Kenilworth and is the constant companion of seven-year-old Jasmine Dowd, who has to undergo 12 hours of dialysis, as well as tube-feeding, every night. Amid the machinery and medicine lies Treacle, her best friend. Jasmine is able to sleep through all of her treatment as long as Treacle is on her bed, providing plenty of fun and cuddles.
Technik Technology Golden Oldie Award – a lifetime achievement award for dogs over seven years.
Sadly, this year's winner is a posthumous one, as 15-year-old Tim died just two weeks before the Honours. He is sorely missed by owner Lorraine Coultas and all the staff and residents at Meadowlodge in North Yorkshire. Labrador Tim lived in a residential home where he was a great comfort to the elderly residents, many of whom have Alzheimer's disease or dementia. He also knew when someone was in extra need of attention and used to lay right beside them, sleeping in their room if necessary.
Petplan Dog Star in the Making Award – celebrates those talented canines who truly shine in the spotlight.
Ladies and gentlemen, Adora has just left the building! This adorable Akita lit up the stage with her debut performance as Sandy in the West End production of Annie. Owner Robert Stuhldreer sent Adora to audition when he spotted an advert in his local paper and, despite having had no prior acting experience, Adora impressed the producers and won the role.
Dogs Trust Celebrity Canine Award – for dogs in the public eye
Tilly, a Jack Russell Terrier who is owned and doted upon by actor and Over the Rainbow judge John Partridge.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
