UK Dog Awards Winners Really are Man’s Best Friend

A Labrador called Star, who has been described as a little boy’s ‘light in his darkest times’, was just one of the deserving doggy winners to be discovered in the Barking Mad UK Dog Awards, which celebrated canine companions and the difference they make to our lives.

Proud owner, Denise Meir, entered Star in the ‘Man’s Best Friend’ category because of the transformational effect the dog has had on her son’s life. She said:

“Ollie has autism and anxiety. It’s hard to think about what life was like without Star. She made Ollie slowly begin to try things he finds difficult. When the anxiety consumes his thoughts, Star is there to tell him it’s okay and that he isn’t alone. In moments that Ollie has had too much, Star is there with no words, just a deep pressure cuddle, one that is accepted by a little boy who doesn’t like touch. She saved our boy when he needed it the most. In the truth of my heart she saved myself and my husband, she saved our family.”

Barking Mad Dog Care, in partnership with premium pet product providers: Laughing Dog, Animology, My Posh Paws and Mutts & Hounds, created the awards with the mission of recognising ‘top dogs’ across five heart-warming categories, with some fantastic prizes. The other category winners were:

• Dog with a Job – Clive Edward owned by Michelle Sutherland. Clive Edward is a cocker spaniel trained to help his owner with a complex health problem. Michelle said that he has, “saved my life on many occasions and fetches my medication when needed”. Despite going through major spinal surgery himself, Clive Edward was determined to continue to look after Michelle.
• Best Pupfluencer – Reggie owned by Suzanne Sheen. All round adventure pooch Reggie loves to go everywhere with his human, from long hikes up mountains to stand up paddle boarding! His page @_reggiethecockapoo_ has become a hit on Instagram, with fans following his crazy adventures around the UK. He adores children and lends a paw on outdoor educational school trips.
• Waggiest Welcome – Jessie owned by Kirsty Ponder. This enthusiastic, 17 month old cockapoo loves life and always greets her owner in the most excitable way, with her whole body wiggling, making their world brighter!
• Best Puppy-dog Eyes – Ziggy owned by Georgia Cockings. Ziggy has puppy-dog eyes which always melt his owner’s heart and when the judging panel saw his photo they couldn’t help but agree!

Barking Mad Managing Director, Rachel Stewart, said: “We have been astounded by the number of incredible entries we received, proving just how special the nation’s dogs really are! The standard was very high and all our winners and runners up should feel very proud of their pooches. Through our work as the UK and Ireland’s leading dog sitting franchise, we encounter amazing dogs who brighten up the lives of those around them every day. Our dog holiday service is so popular because we understand that every dog is an individual and special in their own way. Our franchise owners love operating lifestyle businesses which allow them to spend every working day with these amazing creatures.”

If you feel ready for a change in career and are a real dog lover, you can find out more about the Barking Mad franchise opportunity via the form below!

Barking Mad is part of the Franchise Brands plc group of companies and is the UK’s favourite dog holiday company, as verified by TrustPilot.