Agria Pet Insurance has launched a competition to find the most heroic service dogs nearing retirement age.
Launched at last week’s Crufts show as part of its Pup to Old Age Pup (OAP) campaign, the initiative is designed to highlight the fact that pets should be cared for and protected throughout their lifetime.
Agria has invited assistance dog charities and organisations to nominate dogs that are “the ultimate hero” and have made a real impact to the lives of others.
In addition to showcasing those dogs nearing retirement, the competition is also seeking to recognise pups that are set to be the most promising graduates, celebrating the next generation of service dogs.
.The partner organisations that take part will receive a donation of £1,000, while the winner of ‘most heroic dog’ and ‘most promising graduate’, will each receive a donation of £2,500 for its charity or organisation. Winners will be decided by public vote via Agria’s social media channels.
Tom Vaughan, head of marketing at Agria Pet Insurance, said: “We’re so proud to support some incredible assistance dog charities. The passion and commitment shown by those that are involved in these organisations is phenomenal, as is the skill and devotion shown by the assistance dogs.”
Garry Botterill, founder and operations director at Service Dogs UK, added: “We founded Service Dogs UK back in 2016, with the intention of supporting military and 999 veterans who suffer with PTSD. Having previously served in the military and police myself, I’ve seen first-hand the impact that it can have on colleagues, and I wanted to find a way in which I could help them.
“Support from partners is so important in allowing us to provide assistance dogs for the Veterans in need. Agria’s competition helps us to celebrate the great work that our heroic dogs do in supporting the lives of our those injured in service and gives them the recognition they deserve. They really can be life-changing!”
