A brave four-legged companion has earned a spot as a finalist in the Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, a prestigious honor celebrating canine valor. Louis, a four-year-old rescue dog, trekked 3,000 miles along England’s coastline alongside his owner, Nick Johnson, raising over £60,000 for charity in memory of Nick’s late wife, Lisa.
The announcement came as Crufts, the world’s largest dog-centric event, kicked off, unveiling five finalists for the public-voted award. The winner will be crowned at Crufts 2025.
Hailing from Wiltshire, Louis and Nick are contenders in the Best Friends category after their epic journey to spotlight Ovarian Cancer Action. Nick shared, “The walk was born just two days before Lisa’s passing. She asked, ‘What will you do when I’m gone?’ After some thought, I told her, ‘I’ll take our dog and walk the country to raise awareness for Ovarian Cancer Action and honor you.’”
Braving harsh weather and rugged landscapes for months, the pair’s efforts funded a specialist cancer researcher named after Lisa. Louis was Nick’s steadfast partner throughout. “I’m so proud of what Louis and I accomplished—for the charity and for us,” Nick said. “I can’t imagine life without him. I’m not sure who rescued who.”
The finalists were revealed in London’s Green Park. Crufts spokesperson Bill Lambert said, “This award shines a light on unsung canine heroes—dogs who transform lives with quiet courage, keep us safe, or stand by us as loyal companions. Louis embodies why we call dogs ‘man’s best friend.’ We encourage everyone, especially in the South West, to vote and celebrate his incredible loyalty and love.”
The Kennel Club, a leading UK dog welfare group, picked the finalists, and now the public decides the winner. The result will be unveiled on March 9, the last day of Crufts, in Birmingham NEC’s bp pulse LIVE arena, broadcast on Channel 4.
The top dog’s chosen charity will receive £5,000 from The Kennel Club Charitable Trust, while the other finalists each get £1,000 for their selected canine causes.
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