Vet’s Kitchen - based in Swindon - has again launched the Woof & Well Award for 2023, with a focus on mental wellbeing.
Laura Shears, MD of Vet's Kitchen says: “Nothing beats the welcome you receive from your dog. Whether it’s a waggy tail at the end of a long working day or seeing your dog outside the school gates, their enthusiasm is contagious.
“Humans and their canine companions have always made for a winning team. That’s why our Woof & Well Award is so important and why each year we like to showcase the wonderful stories of dogs who have provided emotional support simply by being there.”
This award sets out to recognise dogs like Polo from Bedford, who won the 2022 Woof & Well Award after becoming a therapy dog with charity Pets As Therapy (https://petsastherapy.org).
Polo, a Labradoodle, was adopted by Gillian Thompson in 2011 when he was 20 months old. Gillian said it soon became apparent that he had something very special. Both Polo and Gillian were assessed by Pets As Therapy and Polo passed his assessment as a therapy dog with flying colours and now regularly visits children in schools.
Gillian explained: “I very quickly realized that Polo had amazing qualities. He showed great empathy towards humans, particularly when they were in distress. I felt I needed to utilise these qualities. With his kind, gentle approach, he can calm and comfort children in times of distress.
"He reassures them and restores their confidence. The magic of Polo works time and time again and I am incredibly proud of him.”
The team behind the Vet's Kitchen Woof and Well Award are looking for tales of everyday canine heroism from owners who want to thank their dog for helping them and their family feel better - dogs who have proven their worth as part of a family or the wider community.
All entries will be judged by the expert team at Vet’s Kitchen including Fiona Firth, the Vet’s Kitchen Nutritionist who owns two dogs Theo and Yogi.
She said: “At Vet’s Kitchen we recognise that the bond between dog and owner is a powerful one and speaking from experience I wouldn’t be without my dogs. They really are wonderful companions.”
To enter, pet owners can go to: https://vetskitchen.co.uk/pages/woofandwell
Three top dogs will receive a medal – Gold, Silver or Bronze – and a year’s supply of Vet’s Kitchen dry dog food.
The competition remains open until 31 July 2023.
Full terms and conditions can be found at https://vetskitchen.co.uk/pages/terms-and-conditions
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