A labrador who was rescued from a life of hell as a breeding dog has missed out on a Crufts award for her work at a care home for retired actors.

Nine-year-old Zoe regularly visits Denville Hall Care Home, in Ducks Hill Road, Northwood, and had been nominated in the Friends for Life category at Crufts 2014.

The popular competition celebrates heart-warming tales in which dogs have truly earned their title as man’s best friend, but Zoe missed out on the shortlist which was announced yesterday (Tuesday).

Zoe was rescued in 2008 by 24-year-old Cowley woman, Linzi Follett. Since then, Linzi has helped Zoe back to good health and the pooch has acquired her Pets as Therapy qualification. She now spends her time visiting the home to put smiles on retired performers’ faces.

Zoe still carries the scars of her breeding programme, including tie marks on her legs, misshapen feet, a saggy belly and arched back.

“She was just mentally shut down when I found her. It was like she just had no interest in life at all,” said Linzi, who lives in Cowley High Road.

“The first time I saw her I knew I was going to take her. I couldn’t leave her there. She just reminded me more of what I had at home. She’s got a look that she does, and other people have commented on it. It’s her smile. She’s just thrilled with life, she can’t believe her luck. She’s an inspiration for others.”

Dog rescued from breeding hell shortlisted in Crufts for bringing smiles to older people