A Harrow dog lover admits making the final in the Kennel Club’s Eukanuba Friends for Life competition at Crufts this year would be the icing on the cake after nominating her special pooch for a spot in the prestigious contest.
Clare Syvertsen, of Eastcote Lane, has put forward her four-year-old Golden Retriever/Labrador cross Griffin who she has had for two years.
The Kennel Club’s Eukanuba Friends for Life competition celebrates heart-warming stories of friendship in adversity, where dogs have truly earned the title of man’s best friend, through bravery, support or companionship.
The bond has proved to be a two-way relationship too with Clare struggling with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome – a neurological condition that affects her joints, muscles and bones.
However, thanks to the help of her dog , day-to-day tasks are made much easier for Clare with Griffin able to do up to 60 tasks including opening doors, loading the washing machine and taking off Clare’s shoes.
She said: “I got Griffin from Canine Partners two years ago and he has made such a big difference to my life.
“Without Griffin I wouldn’t be able to do a lot of things but he makes my life so much easier and I am even thinking about going to university now.
“That is something that I never would have thought would be possible but now it’s a realistic ambition.
“To make the final of Friends for Life would be amazing and I think it would be nice for people to see what a special dog Griffin is and how much he has changed my life.”
'Thoroughly deserving'
Clare and Griffin will be hoping for a trip out together for the Kennel Club’s Eukanuba Friends for Life showpiece on Sunday March 13 at Birmingham’s NEC.
Crufts, run by the Kennel Club, is an annual celebration of happy, healthy dogs and will this year be celebrating its 125th anniversary.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club spokesperson, said: “Clare and Griffin are thoroughly deserving of this nomination and the Kennel Club wishes them luck in the Eukanuba Friends for Life competition.
“We have been honoured to hear about the hundreds of dogs throughout the UK who are making a profound difference to people’s lives.
“Crufts is the world’s best known dog stage and encourage anybody who thinks that their dog’s loyalty, friendship or bravery has made a difference to their life, or the lives of others, to get in touch. Each and every one of the finalists has helped to change and save lives in their own unique and special way.”
London Fire Brigade recently issued advice on how to keep your furry pets safe in the cold weather.
