Calling
all owners of daring dachshunds, brave bulldogs and mighty mutts in Sussex
- does your hound have what it takes to be crowned as a superdog at the London
Pet Show 2013?
Nominations
are now open for The Endal Awards, which gives a big pat on the back for canine
tales of doggy derring-do as well as inspirational pets who have overcome
adversity or companions whose loving support has changed their owners' lives
forever.
The
Awards were named after the late, great Endal, an assistance dog which helped
rebuild the lives of ex-Royal Navy Chief Petty Officer Allen Parton who
suffered severe head injuries in the Gulf War. Endal learned an astonishing 100
signed commands from loading and unloading a washing machine to putting a card
in a cash machine. The Golden Labrador was instrumental in helping the Parton
family rebuild their lives and Allen later founded the Hounds for Heroes charity
in his honour.
As
well as furry friends, the awards also recognise pioneering vets, trainers and
those committed to safeguarding the lives of dogs. The winners will have their
stories told at a special ceremony on the main stage of the Animal Action
Arena, sponsored by Zoflora, at the London Pet Show, Earls Court Two, on May 11
and 12. Pooches will be presented with their winner's medals in front of the
Show's growing crowd, which is expected to top 18,000 this year.
London
Pet Show director Nicole Cooper said: “The Endal Awards are one of the Show
highlights - the stories we hear of the bravery and devotion of man's best
friend can be both heartbreaking and heart warming. Created by Dogs Today, The
Endal Awards are our way of sharing these stories and giving inspirational dogs
and those involved in their welfare a well-deserved pat on the back.”
Among
last year’s winners were Edward the former Guide Dog who, despite being
diagnosed with a rare form of glaucoma which resulted in him having both eyes
removed, still accompanies his owner Graham Waspe to Guide Dog fundraising
events in Stowmarket in Suffolk and lives as a pet alongside new working Guide
Dog Opal. Indie the Northern Inuit dog was awarded a gong for helping his
owner, John Lennon of Blackley in Manchester, recover from an attack by
criminals. Rob and Jen Hollington from Stroud near Petersfield were awarded an
Endal for their tireless fundraising for Hounds for Heroes. The couple's son
Richard was the 300th soldier killed in Afghanistan and the
dog-loving family have so far raised more than £250,000 for the charity in his
memory.
Post or email your nominations to beverley@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk, marking your email 'Endal
Medals' in the subject line. Please include your name, address, daytime
telephone number and information regarding the nominated person or dog, plus
details of their story.
The
third London Pet Show opens its doors on May 11 and 12 2013 at Earls Court
Two. This year's Show will be even bigger than previous years, featuring
more animal action displays, larger show rings and displays and entertaining
and informative talks and demonstrations.
There will also be more animals to discover within
the Show's four zones which feature dogs, cats, small furries and aquatics and
exotics.
