Tilly, abandoned on a roundabout, is a Crufts finalist! Rescued in Dartford, she now helps others as a therapy dog.
Emily Washington, from Strood, rescued Tilly when she was only four months old. She is a Chihuahua cross terrier. New Hope Animal Rescue helped too.
The rescue took Tilly and her siblings. They hand-reared them in Canterbury and a foster family cared for them, keeping them safe until adoption age.
Now, Tilly is two years old. At nine months, she became a therapy dog. She visits care homes, schools, and prisons for therapy.
Tilly helps Emily after surgery too. She alerts Emily to migraines, knows when Emily is anxious, and can interrupt stress behaviors.
Emily originally fostered Tilly. However, Emily knew Tilly would stay as soon as she arrived! Emily loves her very much.
Emily says Tilly can be a menace, but she also said that Tilly is funny. She believes Tilly deserves recognition because Tilly overcame challenges in life.
Tilly proves rescue dogs are amazing. She went from dumped puppy to helper and has helped many different people. Tilly is a special dog.
Tilly is a Rescue Dog Hero finalist. The Crufts award celebrates dogs’ roles and recognizes their important place in society, showcasing their unique bonds.
The winner gets £5,000 for a dog charity, while the other finalists receive £1,000. The Kennel Club Charitable Trust provides this funding.
Bill Lambert spoke about canine heroes, saying they change lives quietly. He urges people to vote for Tilly, who overcame odds to help others.