Since the competition began in 2005, the BBC programme has
highlighted some amazing stories during their coverage of
Crufts and the public have been able to vote for some truly
deserving tales. From Buster, the army dog who sniffed out
weapons in Iraq, to Danny and Yogi, the Dog for the Disabled
who provided Danny with a life he never thought possible.
Not forgetting Crufts 2007, and Tony and his Hearing Dog,
Molly, who gave him hope and companionship without which his
life would have been very lonely and difficult.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “Friends for Life was developed to give recognition to all the dogs that really deserve to be rewarded for what they give their owners and others in their lives. Since we began the competition we have received some amazing entries, highlighting the importance of dogs as man’s best friend, with wonderful tales of bravery, support and companionship. There are many examples of dogs showing unfailing loyalty and spirit in their constant wish to help, and this competition demonstrates the incredible difference that dogs can make to people’s lives.”
I would like to tell you about Harriet , a
wonderful and special little girl I know,
and her best friend, her Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla
(HWV) , Leiborschy Yepa.
Harriet is 11 years old and was diagnosed with
Cerebral Palsy at 11 months. She has restricted use
of her legs and can only walk short distances with a
frame and relies heavily on a wheelchair. She also
suffers from associated conditions and her life is
very up and down in terms of her health.
From the moment Yepa arrived home with
Harriet, she
sensed how special Harriet is. She would sit
between Harriet's
legs as Harriet shuffled about the house on
her bottom. When it came to Harriet's
walking frame, Yepa would trot alongside on
a loose lead from the age of 3 months, never
once pulling or changing direction. Harriet
could finally enjoy a walk with her Dad and
puppy like any other little girl .
Harriet has taken a hand in
training Yepa,
both in basic obedience and for
gundog work. Harriet has attended
many breed club working training
days and has joined in fully,
trudging across fields on her Dad's
shoulders. Yepa has opened up a
whole new world for Harriet of
training and friendship throughout
the breed. During her first summer,
Harriet taught Yepa to swim in the
family's pool. In the water Harriet
is free from the restrictions her
legs place upon her and can interact
with Yepa fully,
with
Yepa even copying Harriet and
using the side to push off to start
a width of the pool.
At Crufts this year Yepa could be
found at the side of Harriet's
wheelchair and there was no prouder
person at the NEC than Harriet, as
her pet competed.
From Best Puppy in Breed at her
first Championship Show to a First
in The Bracco Italiano Society's
Puppy Working Test (her first), Yepa
brings fun, joy and a sense of
achievement to Harriet in whatever
she does.Before Yepa arrived,
Harriet had never immersed herself
so completely in anything. Ownership
of Yepa helps Harriet join in fully
despite her disabilities. Harriet
has had experiences with Yepa that
her peer group have
not.............fuelling Harriet's
confidence and making her a very
sought after friend.
As well as the emotional benefits
of owning Yepa, Yepa assists Harriet
in a physical way. Yepa will stay
with Harriet if she falls until Mum
arrives on the scene and will stay
on Harriet's bed if she is feeling
unwell. Yepa will comfort Harriet if
she is upset and constantly keeps an
eye out for her.
When Harriet's disabilities
prevent her enjoying outings with
her friends, Yepa is there at home
as Harriet's best pal. Yepa enjoys
sleepovers with Harriet and her
friends and joins in as one of the
"girls", feasting on midnight snacks
and watching DVDs! Yepa is very
popular with Harriet's friends and
there is no shortage of children
wishing to share Yepa with Harriet.
I have seen such a change in
Harriet since Yepa came into her
life. She is a confident, spirited
little girl now who strives to join
in with anything that she does with
Yepa. Yepa has given her not only
focus and responsibility, but allows
Harriet to have a sense of
achievement that was previously
missing. Harriet's knowledge of dog
ownership, training and the breed
are a credit to her, especially as
she has had difficulties to overcome
to gain this knowledge.
These photographs say more than I ever could.....................
