Hero dog who supported young owner through cancer diagnosis up for national award

Beauty the Labrador Retriever has got the Bellamy family, from Swansea, through the toughest of times, and continues to be a four-legged best friend to them all.

11-year-old Lily, the youngest member of the family, was diagnosed with leukaemia, just two months after Beauty joined the family, who has been a tonic during this very difficult time. She is the only member of the family who can make Lily laugh when she is undergoing weekly chemotherapy, or taking steroids which can really impact her mood.  

Wayne, Lily’s dad, also has epilepsy, which has worsened with the pressure and stress of the situation with Lily. But Beauty can sense what is happening and barks to alert Wayne and the family before the onset of a seizure. On numerous occasions she has even put herself in the way, to break his fall, which have meant fewer hospital visits for stitches or head injuries, and less stress and worry during what is already a difficult time for the whole family.

“I fail to find the words to express how pleased we all are that Beauty has been recognised as a hero,” comments Wayne. “The smile on Lily’s face when she found out would have lit up a very dark room.”

Beauty is one of five finalists shortlisted for the prestigious Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, with the public urged to vote for the four-legged friend they want to see crowned as the UK’s most heroic dog at Crufts 2023.

Besides Beauty, other entrants include:

• A Springer Spaniel who has spent hundreds of nights camping out with his teenage owner to raise money for rescue dogs and an organisation helping Ukrainian dogs and owners
• A Staffordshire Bull Terrier police dog who has protected the nation from criminals and changed perceptions of the breed
• A special assistance dog who is helping his young owner to overcome chronic, debilitating pain – and the isolation which comes with an invisible illness – to become a high-flying lawyer
• A rescue Cocker Spaniel who has overcome the odds – having been passed through multiple owners and deemed ‘naughty’ – to become a life-saving Bio Medical Detection Dog

TV broadcaster, Kay Burley, the ambassador for The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award 2023, comments: “These five special dogs are not only heroes to their owners but also to the rest of us. They make a huge difference every day by providing love, companionship and dedication, and protecting the nation and saving lives.

“No one can deny the remarkable impact dogs have, from the joy they bring each day, to being by our side during the hardest times and showing extraordinary loyalty and bravery. The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award is a celebration of this unique bond we share with dogs and their heroic feats – please vote for your four-legged hero and celebrate these five inspirational dogs.”

The winner of The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, crowned by Kay on the final day of Crufts (12 March), will receive £5,000 from The Kennel Club Charitable Trust for the dog charity of their choice, with the other finalists receiving a £1,000 donation to their chosen canine charity.

The public can now watch each of the finalist’s stories in specially-made videos and vote for their Hero Dog 2023, until 4pm on Sunday 12 March, by visiting the Crufts website.