A big-hearted dog from Frodsham is in the running to win a national competition.
Kahlea, a Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog, has been named as one of the six finalists in the HiLife PAT Dog of the Year 2014/2015.
But the seven-year-old Samoyed hasn’t let the nomination get in the way of her work, visiting care homes and bringing smiles to residents’ faces.
PAT is an independently funded charity with more than 5,000 volunteers whose registered dogs provide animal assisted therapy.
Kahlea’s proud owner Margaret Wilding said: “I’m so proud and excited that Kahlea has been nominated and to make it as a finalist is great news.
“Kahlea and I regularly visit four care homes: Norton lodge in Runcorn; Three Elms Penketh near Warrington and Newton Hall and Hillcrest Home in Frodsham where the residents absolutely adore her.
“She has a great rapport with everyone and has even managed to get some residents who do not normally speak quite animated.
“Residents really trust Kahlea and many have spoken about the love they feel in her presence.
“I feel so privileged and thrilled to see how Kahlea brings a light into the eyes and a smile on the faces of the people we meet, not to mention the amazing results we have achieved over the years.”
Kahlea and the other finalists will parade around the show arena at Crufts next March as details of their achievements are announced to the audience. The winner will then be revealed and will receive £500 plus three months’ supply of HiLife dog food, which has sponsored the competition.
HiLife marketing director Peter Parkinson said: “We’re really looking forward to finding our winner. The work these marvellous dogs do to improve the lives of those in need of comfort is amazing.
“We never fail to be moved by the stories we hear. To us they’re all winners.”
To vote for the HiLife PAT Dog of the Year, visit www.yours.co.uk/PATDogVote .
For more information about Pets As Therapy, visit www.petsastherapy.org or call 01844 345 445.
