A dog which helped its grieving owner through a difficult patch in her life could fetch a prize at Crufts.
Labrador Rudi stuck by Pauline Smith’s side as she battled through losing her mother and splitting up with her husband in the space of just a few weeks.
The nine-year-old pooch has been credited with helping veterinary nurse Pauline to get back on her feet and has been shortlisted for a special award.
In return Pauline has nominated for him the Friends for Life award, which is presented at the annual dog show to a pet deserving of the title man’s best friend through bravery, support or companionship.
Describing him as the best thing that ever happened to her, Pauline, 31, of Thornton, Fife, thinks her canine pal is top dog.
She said: “I lost my mum in the October and found out my husband had been cheating on me in the December, so after that, it was just me.
“I was grieving and had to move back in with my Dad and that was a big step for me.
“Then the opportunity came up for me to get a flat. That was the first time I had ever lived on my own, but Rudi was with me.
“I don’t know if I would have got through life without him, he was amazing.
“He has had his own ups and downs, including having spinal surgery, but he is one in a million.”
Pauline has gone on to remarry and have 19-month-old daughter Scarlett but admitted life could have been very different without Rudi, who she was given as a wedding present.
She said: “If we were to reach the final of the competition at Crufts, it would be amazing.
“Everyone who knows us knows how close we are but it is everything he has been through in his life.
“He will always be my hero.”
If Rudi is shortlisted he and Pauline will travel to Birmingham’s NEC arena for the Kennel Club’s Eukanuba Friends for Life showpiece on March 12.
