Dogs Trust Honours: Life-saving Llanelli dachshund Ellie-May nominated

Ellie-May barks and attracts attention when her owner suffers a seizure

A dog who has twice saved the life of her owner after she suffered a seizure has been nominated for an award.

Miniature long-haired dachshund Ellie-May is not trained for rescues, and first showed her skills when her owner collapsed in a country lane.

Now the three-year-old barks and "screams" to alert people when Yolande Rees-Hopkins, of Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, is in danger.

Fourteen dogs and five humans feature in the Dogs Trust Honours 2012.

Ms Rees-Hopkins called Ellie-May's ability was amazing and had even saved her from drowning in the bath.

"My husband had gone out and he'd just come back in by the time I was under the water, and he would not have found me in time if it wasn't for Ellie-May," she said.

Ellie-May even seemed to sense when her owner has a seizure even if they are apart, she added.

"I could be 50 miles away from her and she will still know what is happening. I've never heard of this kind of thing before."

Yolande Rees-Hopkins said Ellie-May had showed her abilities without any training

Ellie-May is one of a number of dogs owned by Ms Rees-Hopkins, but none of the others have had the same ability.

While Ms Rees-Hopkins said winning would make no difference about how she felt about Ellie-May, it would be "nice for her to be recognised".

"She's the only dog in her category which has not been specially trained for what she does," she added.

These are the fifth annual Dogs Trust Honours Awards, which recognise dogs who have performed outstanding acts of bravery, dedication or devotion.