Abandoned puppy becomes Crufts 'hero' finalist

Emily said: "Tilly rescued me as much as I rescued her"

As a puppy, Tilly was abandoned in a washing basket on a roundabout and left to die.

Just two years later, she is heading to Birmingham as a finalist for a Crufts award recognising the huge positive difference she has made.

From working in prisons and schools to training as a service dog, Tilly has proved that anything is possible for a rescue.

Tilly and her owner Emily Washington, 39, from Strood, are now preparing to compete against four other finalists in the rescue dog category for the Kennel Club's Hero Dog award in March.

Emily said: "She's such a joyful little soul.

"She passed her Pets in Therapy temperament assessment at just nine months old, which is the youngest you can do it, because she's just got a really special something about her."

Since being found by dog rescue charity New Hope Animal Rescue and taken in by Emily, Tilly has been awarded both the silver and bronze Good Citizen award, and is a champion at Barn Hunt, a sport that simulates rat sniffing and catching.

She is also training as an assistance dog, learning to detect Emily's migraines up to 48 hours before they happen so Emily can take medication and prepare.

Tilly was a tiny puppy when she was found.

Emily added: "It's great that the Kennel Club are doing this, recognising what rescue dogs can do for people, how far they can come and that rescue is best.

"I mean who's rescued who? That's what I always say, because it feels like she's saved me as much as I saved her."