A puppy who was abandoned in a washing basket on a roundabout has become a finalist for the prestigious Kennel Club’s Hero Dog award at Crufts. Now two years old, Tilly, a Jack Russell cross Chihuahua, has shown remarkable resilience and the ability to make a profound impact in various settings.
Tilly, who was found and taken in by the Hope Rescue charity, has since excelled in several areas, from working in prisons and schools to training as a service dog. Alongside her owner, 39-year-old Emily Washington from Strood, Tilly will compete in March against four other finalists in the rescue dog category.
Emily shared her admiration for Tilly, saying, “She’s such a joyful little soul. She passed her Pets in Therapy temperament assessment at just nine months old, the youngest age possible. She has something really special about her.”
Since being adopted, Tilly has earned both silver and bronze Good Citizen awards, and she is a champion in Barn Hunt, a sport that mimics rat sniffing and capture. Additionally, Tilly is being trained as an assistance dog, capable of detecting Emily’s migraines up to 48 hours before they occur, allowing her to take preventive medication.
Emily expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting, “It’s great that the Kennel Club is highlighting the potential of rescue dogs, showcasing how far they can come and the positive difference they can make.”
Tilly’s journey highlights the bond between rescue dogs and their owners, with Emily concluding, “Who’s rescued who? She’s saved me just as much as I’ve saved her.”
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