Pre-release film viewing
for well-known partners

Wallace and Grommit, Allen and Endal, outside the Odeon in Leicester Square, London.

Normally this sort of media interest is reserved for major celebrities and film stars but why then was there this sudden focus on this well-known duo of the canine world? Endal, who hardly needs an introduction these days, was voted Dog of the Millennium - the world's most intelligent dog and holder of the highest award for animal bravery in peace time (PDSA Gold Medal ... the Animal George Cross) and is celebrating 10 years as a working assistance dog.

Often affectionately called the Wallace and Grommit of the doggie world, Allen Parton and his canine companion Endal have finally achieved a lifelong ambition to meet their screen idols - the real Wallace and Grommit. It was only a matter of time before a get-together of both these amazing dogs and their partners happened and at the Odeon, Leicester Square, London, the event in took place at the premier of the Schools Film Festival at Leicester Square to celebrate National Schools Film Week's 10th year.

It has been noticed and commented on by many how uncannily striking the similarities are between these owners and their faithful hounds. The relationship between both man and dog partnerships is so strong that it is difficult to see where one starts and the other ends - they are as one.

Both Grommit and Endal are extremely intelligent canines, both celebrating 10 years of working partnerships and both highly gifted with the most amazing, wicked sense of humour. Both the dogs are working tirelessly with unquestioning devotion towards their owners, beavering away in the background and enabling their masters every day. Wallace was an inventor as was Allen, who in his Navy days was an electronics engineering officer who used to design weapon systems for navy vessels.

Allen said "I have so enjoyed watching Wallace and Grommit since they first appeared on television and have followed each new release avidly. Watching Grommit is so like watching a carbon copy of Endal, the facial expressions, the ability to do some amazing things and the sheer unwavering devotion that both dogs give to their masters is so heart warming. It was a photoshoot of a lifetime and such fun to do. On a serious note though, it also helps us promote how important the human-animal bond is and to argue the dog's place in today's society".

Allen is now a UK representative of the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP) www.iaadp.org and has been promoting the work of this international organisation that represents the interests of all assistance dog partnerships around the world. "IAADP encourages the individual partnerships to have a voice that is listened to, an opportunity to take control and shape their own destinies and overcome the many instances of discrimination that they might face going about their daily chores".

Allen added, "Throughout the film I am sure I spotted Endal smiling and wagging his tail at Grommit's antics and I don't think I have ever laughed so hard for ages. It truly is a brilliant film with so much attention paid to detail. It's humour that will appeal to young and old alike and I'd recommend everyone to go and see it (especially dog owners). We had a great time and felt very privileged to be able view the film prior to the release date, a truly grand day out and one that gave us yet another memory-filled picture for our album."