We can all agree that our lives wouldn’t be the same without our canine pals, whether they’re greeting us with the waggiest of tails as we come through the door, nudging us to go out for walkies, or hogging the sofa in the evening.
But, in some cases, our dogs become our heroes, getting us through the hardest times in our lives by being there by our sides through it all, being a loyal friend when we need one, or even saving our lives.
And, of course, there are those kind-hearted individuals who champion our canine companions, dedicating their lives to helping our four-legged best friends in their moment of need, and are heroes in every dog’s eyes.
In partnership with our friends at Battersea, we're running a competition to celebrate the Canine Champions in your life – hound or human – with the winner being treated to a well-deserved dog-friendly holiday. What’s more - for every entry, we donated 50p* to Battersea, enabling their heroic staff and volunteers to continue helping dogs and cats in their three centres and around the world!
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What our winner and runners-up will win
The prizes on offer are:
- £300 holiday voucher and a prize bundle for the winner
- A prize bundle of gifts and treats for two runners-up
How to enter
We want to hear all about your canine champions.
To enter, simply head over to our Facebook page and comment on our post, telling us who your hero is and why they deserve to win the top prize.
Meet the 2022 winners
2022's winner was...Scout the short-sighted sighthound!
“Scout gave me my life back and I can never thank him enough.”
Scout was nominated by his owner, who said:
“Scout crash landed into my life at a time when I was at my lowest, having lost my beloved whippet Ruby who died in my arms on a walk following an incident with another dog. Being unable to save Ruby left me with crippling anxiety and depression coupled with a fear of walking our subsequent dogs, Izzy and Misty.
“We adopted Scout at 6 months old after hearing of his desperate plight. Born blind and tossed out on the streets, Scout was eventually picked up and taken to a stray pound where he escaped death by a whisker, being saved by the combined efforts of three amazing rescue organisations.
“Caring for Scout and learning how to adapt to Scout’s world of darkness gave me the courage I needed to face the world. As Scout’s guardian and his eyes, it became my duty to keep him safe and overcome my fear of walking. Scout gave me my life back and I can never thank him enough.
“Over the years, Scout has made it his mission to give back to our community. Fundraiser, therapy dog and ambassador for mental health, Scout has brought love and companionship wherever he goes. Scout is an older boy now (12 years old on Halloween) and has had to take a step back from public life due to health problems but give him an empty beach to run on and the puppy in him comes right back.”
Ali Taylor, Battersea’s Head of Canine Behaviour, chose our winner. She said:
“It was hard to pick a winner as all of the entries were worthy contenders. However, Scout and his owner really showed the impact that dogs can have on our lives, and in return the impact that we too can have on theirs - a perfect show of how, in many ways, we all rescue each other. Scout is also a wonderful example of how our dogs can have a wider impact, not just within our own homes, but also within the communities around us.”
2022's runner-up: Roxie
“Without Roxie, I wouldn’t be me.”
Roxie was nominated by her owner, who explained:
“Roxie is a rescue and came to me at 11 months, she was anxious, but that was ok because so was I.
“Together Roxie and I have worked through our anxiety together and have overcome so much. Roxie is now a social pooch, who loves going out and meeting new dogs and adventure. I'm happy to report, so am I.
“Together we go out and enjoy life in each other’s company. Without Roxie, I wouldn't be me.”
Ali Taylor also chose Roxie as the runner-up and said: “A worthy runner-up, Roxie is a fantastic example of how dogs can have a positive impact on our wellbeing, and why it is so important that as a society we continue to enable them to be a part of our lives.
“I especially love how both Roxie and her owner have helped each to overcome their anxieties to become the best versions of themselves.”
2022's runner-up: Ashley
“Ashley really is a shining example to us all.”
Our second runner-up is Ashley, who began his ‘Sleep Out to Help Out’ to raise money for Paws2Rescue. He was nominated by Linda Kensett, who said: “He’s an amazing young man who has spent the last 19 months sleeping in a tent to raise money for a charity very dear to my heart.”
Ashley was chosen as our second runner-up by Ruth De Vere, Head of the Battersea Academy.
She said: “An inspiring young runner-up, 13-year-old Ashley really is a shining example to us all. His commitment, dedication and passion for supporting rescue animals is an absolute credit to him and we wish him all the best as he continues to embark upon his endeavours to raise money for Paws2Rescue - who we work with through our Battersea Academy, helping them to provide vital work with rescue animals in Romania."
Battersea’s Canine Champions
Throughout our partnership with Battersea, we’ve learnt all about the heroes that come through their doors, whether it’s the dogs that, through finding their forever home, change their humans’ lives forever, or the volunteers who give up their time to care to ensure every dog in their care gets the love and attention they deserve.
Battersea has shared some of their most heroic humans and hounds – you can read their stories below.
Lily’s story
Lily came to Battersea when she was only 8 months old as she was too excitable for her family’s older dog. She was a sweet but sometimes overexcited puppy who needed a home that could give her the enrichment and training she needed to become a brilliant family dog.
After just a short wait, Lily found a new home where her excitement brings joy to her family. She settled in quickly and her high energy levels have been transferred into a passion for fetching sticks.
She brings happiness to everyone she meets, which is why she is one of our canine champions!
Ray’s story
Ray arrived at Battersea from a greyhound rescue centre after being retired from racing. Ray was slightly nervous and found the kennels overwhelming at first, but after a while he showed his relaxed and gentle personality while spending time with staff in the office.
While he waited to find the right home, it was decided that Ray should go to one of our communities where he would be able to spend time with a foster carer to get used to life in a home. Ray took a while to find a new home, spending just over 6 months with us while waiting to be rehomed.
When the right home came along, he fell in love with his new family straight away and is very much enjoying his retirement!
Lottie’s story
Lottie came to Battersea at the end of 2022 having been found in very poor health with multiple wounds, and she was very underweight.
After receiving expert care from our clinic team, Lottie came out of her shell and showed us her very happy and friendly personality. Lottie spent over a month at Battersea to recover and build up her strength, and then our rehoming team began their search for a new home for Lottie.
Lottie left Battersea to her wonderful new home, where she has found her new favourite thing - the stairs. Lottie overcame so much to become a wonderful family dog, which is why she is one of our canine champions!
Phoebe’s story
Cheeky Phoebe arrived at Battersea’s Old Windsor site as a stray. She is an affectionate and enthusiastic dog, but she would often get overstimulated and was quite reactive towards other dogs and people.
Unfortunately, Phoebe found life in kennels quite stressful and would often resort to chewing and tearing her bed and toys. Battersea’s behavioural experts built a bespoke socialisation and enrichment plan for Phoebe, to improve her behaviour and reduce her stress.
After 330 days of training and care from teams across Battersea, Phoebe finally found a new home with a lovely couple who are very experienced with her breed and could give her all the love and support she could possibly need.
Vicki’s story
Vicki is a volunteer at Battersea’s Old Windsor site, where she works in our kennels to support the team with everything from dog walking and feeding time to cleaning and laundry. She is a passionate dog lover who always brings humour and laughter to site, and it is impossible to avoid her infectious enthusiasm.
Vicki said: “Friends of mine ask why I volunteer at Battersea because we have another dog rescue closer to where I live, but because I got my cats and my dog from Battersea, I want to give my time and my love back to the animals at Battersea.”
Vicki is one of the amazing volunteers on site who make what Battersea do possible, and that’s why she is one of our canine champions.
Buxton’s story
Buxton was rehomed to Jenn, a community support worker from London. She was looking for a four-legged companion who could provide comfort to people she worked with, and Buxton was able to live up to the job.
Buxton’s genuine love for people and easy-going nature means he’s always on hand to give plenty of cuddles and warmth to those who don’t feel loved by the community. He is a well-known character in the local area and, through their love of Buxton, the residents have begun to open up to each other and feel like the area is more of a home.
Lara’s story
Lara, a Staffie, was brought into Battersea as a stray. She was in a terrible condition which led Battersea experts to believe that she was used in backstreet breeding.
Battersea were able to treat and care for Lara until she was well enough to be rehomed with therapist, Daniel. She is now a great help to Daniel’s patients as she loves to comfort and greet individuals who are coming in for therapy. Daniel says she is a particular help to individuals coming to therapy for the first time as she helps make the first session less daunting and more relaxing and familiar.
Lara also loves a snooze and can be often found tucked up in the corner snoring. Daniel and his patients find this relaxing and comforting too.
Teddy’s story
Teddy is farm owners Mark and Maxine’s ultimate companion. Since being rehomed to them, he has been in their shadow helping to lighten up the chores of farm life in Kent. He is always happy to brave the early starts with Mark. He drives around with Mark handing out all the food to the animals, before keeping Mark company as he mucks out the pens.
After a long day, Teddy loves to cuddle up on the sofa with Mark and Maxine. They said: “Teddy brings an amazing amount of life into our home. We couldn’t wish for a better dog.”
Jacqui’s story
Jacqui is one of many foster carers who give up their time and open their homes to care for Battersea animals who may need some time away from their centres. Since she started volunteering in 2017, she has cared for a grand total of 63 dogs, most of whom have been puppies and mums with puppies like the lovely Gina, pictured to the left. She’s even helped two pregnant dogs to give birth safely at her home.
It cannot be underestimated just how much time and commitment goes into caring for pregnant mums and young puppies in their earlier stages of life, and Jacqui does this whilst working full-time from home and managing her own home and family life – what a hero!
Rob and Kerry's story
Rob and Kerry have been dedicated foster carers since October 2020. They started taking in and caring for a range of Battersea animals like Rokko (pictured left) during the pandemic.
Staff at Battersea say one of the many things that makes Rob and Kerry so great is that they love to update them on how the animals are getting on throughout their stay. This insightful information is so useful as it helps Battersea find the right home for the dog by ensuring their new family knows all about their new pet’s quirks and personality.
Treat your champion to a holiday
Our Canine Champions are always winners in our eyes, so why not browse our range of dog-friendly cottages and treat them to a holiday?
Whether you want to spoil your champion with a holiday by the coast, in the countryside or close to a thriving city, our dog-friendly cottages welcome both humans and hounds with open arms.
* For each entry, Canine Cottages will donate 50p to Battersea Dogs Home Ltd, which gives all its distributable profits to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home (registered charity no 206394).
Canine Cottages and Battersea
Since 2021, Canine Cottages and Battersea have teamed up to form a partnership built on shared values, allowing our team at Canine Cottages to support Battersea in its incredible work, ensuring our beloved dogs have all the love and attention they deserve.
You can donate to Battersea to help them give second chances to rescue animals everywhere.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.