Congratulation to Sam and his dog Josie.
The British public voted assistance dog Josie and his 8-year-old owner, Sam Daly, as the champions of ultimate dog heroes competition at DFS Crufts, Friends for Life. Sam is a wheelchair user with muscular dystrophy who says that “things were rubbish before she came to love me”.
The proud winners, from Eton in Berkshire, were presented with their trophy in the main arena of the Birmingham NEC on Sunday (March 11).
Josie helps Sam with everyday tasks including undoing zips, opening doors, and even passing notes between Sam and his parents. Since having Josie Sam’s confidence has improved and she sleeps by Sam’s bedside where her intuitive and caring nature has brought peace of mind to the whole family. She has previously awoken Sam’s parents to alert them that he was about to be sick, which could have resulted in Sam choking because he is unable to turn in his sleep. Josie’s quick reactions undoubtedly ensures that Sam never comes to any harm.
Josie’s training and placement with Sam was made possible with an investment from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, granting nearly £103,000 to Dogs for the Disabled since 1991, and over £4.5m in total for dog-related causes.
Sam said: “It’s fantastic to have won especially because everyone deserves to win. Josie is my best friend and I am super proud of her. She will get a very big bone for her tea.”
Sam’s mum, Sara Daly, added: “It means so much to us to win this award. We would like to thank everyone who voted for Sam and Josie. Also a huge thank you to Dogs for the Disabled and the Kennel Club for making it all possible.”
Remembering life before Josie, Sara explained the challenges they regularly faced. She said: “Sam’s frustration and anger at his condition boiled over in to every part of his life. He was desperate to join in with all the things that other children did, but his condition limited so many things that he could do. He would watch his little sister be able to play and start to do things that Sam has either never been able to master or even worse that he was no longer able to manage. While he still delights in his sister’s new found abilities each milestone she achieves is bittersweet.”
Kennel Club spokesman Caroline Kisko said: “We give our warmest congratulations to Sam and Josie, they are a truly lovely and deserving pair. They show just how much dogs can enrich our lives and the profound difference that they can make. Josie is not only a special dog herself but she represents all of the great work that is done every day by assistance dogs.
“All five finalists were truly deserving of their place in this year’s competition, which celebrates and rewards those dogs who quietly go about changing people’s lives in their own unique and special way.”
The British public voted assistance dog Josie and his 8-year-old owner, Sam Daly, as the champions of ultimate dog heroes competition at DFS Crufts, Friends for Life. Sam is a wheelchair user with muscular dystrophy who says that “things were rubbish before she came to love me”. The proud winners, from Eton in Berkshire, were presented with their trophy in the main arena of the Birmingham NEC on Sunday (March 11). Josie helps Sam with everyday tasks including undoing zips, opening doors, and even passing notes between Sam and his parents. Since having Josie Sam’s confidence has improved and she sleeps by Sam’s bedside where her intuitive and caring nature has brought peace of mind to the whole family. She has previously awoken Sam’s parents to alert them that he was about to be sick, which could have resulted in Sam choking because he is unable to turn in his sleep. Josie’s quick reactions undoubtedly ensures that Sam never comes to any harm. Josie’s training and placement with Sam was made possible with an investment from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, granting nearly £103,000 to Dogs for the Disabled since 1991, and over £4.5m in total for dog-related causes. Sam said: “It’s fantastic to have won especially because everyone deserves to win. Josie is my best friend and I am super proud of her. She will get a very big bone for her tea.” Sam’s mum, Sara Daly, added: “It means so much to us to win this award. We would like to thank everyone who voted for Sam and Josie. Also a huge thank you to Dogs for the Disabled and the Kennel Club for making it all possible.” Remembering life before Josie, Sara explained the challenges they regularly faced. She said: “Sam’s frustration and anger at his condition boiled over in to every part of his life. He was desperate to join in with all the things that other children did, but his condition limited so many things that he could do. He would watch his little sister be able to play and start to do things that Sam has either never been able to master or even worse that he was no longer able to manage. While he still delights in his sister’s new found abilities each milestone she achieves is bittersweet.” Kennel Club spokesman Caroline Kisko said: “We give our warmest congratulations to Sam and Josie, they are a truly lovely and deserving pair. They show just how much dogs can enrich our lives and the profound difference that they can make. Josie is not only a special dog herself but she represents all of the great work that is done every day by assistance dogs. ”All five finalists were truly deserving of their place in this year’s competition, which celebrates and rewards those dogs who quietly go about changing people’s lives in their own unique and special way.”
