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.
