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Endal, always the diplomat, accepts his award with pride and poses with all the dignity of a well-seasoned celebrity.
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WET noses and waggy tails were the order of the day this weekend as Shauna Lowry, star presenter of Animal Hospital, presented the dog world's answer to the Oscars to 10 heroic hounds, including two proud winners from Ross-on-Wye and Waterlooville.
Following months of scouring Britain for the year's most remarkable doggy deeds, the 10 canine finalists - and their people - came together at the second Wag and Bone Show, the only day out designed especially for man's best friend. There they received their accolades, with local dog Chyna, a German shepherd, scooping the coveted Dog's Best Friend Award and Labrador Endal being awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
At the end of a fun-filled day of canine frolics including doggy displays, competitions and a world record breaking attempt, the 2004 Wag and Bone Awards were announced to an audience of over 10,000 two-legged and four-legged visitors.
Chyna, owned by Kathy Seaborn, collected the title of Dog's Best Friend 2004 for saving fellow pet Cavalier King Charles spaniel Coco's life. When Coco disappeared and fell into a bog, Chyna tracked her down and stayed at her side barking for three days until the 13-year-old dog was rescued. Only Coco's ears and nose were poking out leaving her minutes from certain death when help arrived, thanks to Chyna's loud alert.
"When I heard what Chyna had done for Coco, I was so proud," said owner Kathy. She really is extra special! Without her loyalty, persistence and love, Coco may not be with us today. The Wag and Bone award has rewarded her for being such a special friend."
Endal and his owner Allen Parton, from Waterlooville, were presented with their Lifetime Achievement Award for making so many people in the world aware of how one dog can make such a difference. As a puppy, Endal was selected by assistance dog charity, Canine Partners. A Royal Navy electronics officer who suffered severe physical and emotional problems after a serious accident in the Gulf, Allen met Endal when his wife was volunteering as a puppy walker for the charity and the two have been inseparable ever since. They have developed their own sign language, enabling Endal to give Allen his hat, gloves - and even withdraw money from the cashpoint! Endal was named Dog of the Millennium by Dogs Today magazine.
"Some people think that angels have only two legs," said Allen. "Now I know that some have four!"
Awards were also presented to a further eight remarkable dogs:
Assistance Dog of the Year: Cal, a German shepherd from Kent.
Ground Breaking Canines: Gem and Chip, Border Collies from Essex.
Inspirational Dog and Owner: Maelea Forrester and Boswell, an Italian Spinone, from Surrey.
Triumph Over Adversity: Dylan, a crossbreed from Surrey.
Going That Extra Mile: Billy, a Bearded Collie from London.
Man's Best Friend: Bracken, a Border collie from Staffordshire.
Man's Best Friend First Runner-up: Morgain, a Patterdale Terrier from Kent.
Man's Best Friend Specially Commended: Holly, a Labrador/German Wirehaired Pointer cross from Newport.
"What an impressive group of dogs!" said Shauna Lowry. "Each and every one of them has touched and improved one or more lives and it's great to see so many people - and other dogs - here today to congratulate them as well as making valuable donations to the seven animal charities that will benefit from today's activities."
Note: Sponsored by Purina, and supported by Dogs Today, this unique interactive event is in aid of Battersea Dogs Home, The Blue Cross, Dogs Trust, The Kennel Club Charitable Trust, PDSA, RSPCA and Wood Green Animal Shelters. Last year more than £18,000 was raised for these charities which all work for the good of man's best friend.
