Dog that helped girl 'transform life' up for award

Rozalyn said Rosa was her "best friend"

When nine-year-old Rozalyn was struggling with the demands of helping to care for her disabled little brother - in stepped Rosa.

The schoolgirl, from Retford, Nottinghamshire, supports her brother Rory, six, who is autistic, non-verbal, and has profound learning disabilities.

Their mum, Abbie, said Rosa, a Pomeranian, joined the family to help Rozalyn "escape from the difficulties she had been facing daily".

The 11-month-old pup has now been announced as one of five dogs that have reached the national final of the Kennel Club Hero Dog Award - with the winner being announced at Crufts in March.

Abbie said the dog had made a "huge difference" to Rozalyn and the rest of the family's lives since they got her when she was an eight-week-old puppy.

Mum Abbie said Rosa had shown the family there was "always a reason to smile"

"Rosa has transformed our lives and gave me my little girl back," Abbie said. "She's an amazing part of the family and had a huge impact on us all.

"A lot of my time is spent with Rory at home and it's given Rozalyn a distraction so she doesn't feel left out.

"Rozalyn is a lot more confident now and she's talking to people again. She wants to go out again to socialise and has always got a friend there with her now."

Abbie, 36, said Rozalyn put "so much pressure" on herself to help Rory that she decided to learn Makaton so she could communicate with him.

In addition to helping with daily tasks like changing her brother's clothes, Rozalyn also saved up her pocket money to donate to a disabled children's charity.

Rosa has inspired Rozalyn to join to a local canine training and competition group

But Abbie said the hard work started to have a negative impact on her mental health and she started struggling with anxiety and getting sleep.

"Rosa helps Rozalyn switch off at night, even when Rory is loud and cannot settle," she said. "She has more independence, allowing her to get to school more happy and focused.

"Rosa is having a positive impact on Rory too as she is such a gentle and loving dog. He sits beside her and enjoys watching her play."

The Hero Dog Award celebrates the unique relationship people have with their dogs and the important role they can play throughout our lives and in society.

Rozalyn added: "Rosa will follow us around anywhere. She's fluffy, she's beige and white, and she's got teddy bear ears. She's tiny and she's very cute.

"Rosa should win the award because she's my best friend and helps me with my problems."

Rozalyn said she hoped to one day become a dog groomer and trainer