A dog from Nottinghamshire who has given a young carer her childhood back has been announced as a finalist in the prestigious Kennel Club Hero Dog Award.
Launching the world’s biggest celebration of dogs, Crufts, today (Tuesday, 18 February), The Kennel Club announced the five hero dogs that will compete in the public vote for the award, with the winner being announced at Crufts 2025.
Rosa, a Pomeranian, is the finalist in the Child’s Champion category of The Kennel Club award, alongside eight-year-old Rozalyn Merrett from Retford. Rosa has played an invaluable role in supporting Rozalyn, who is a young carer to her brother, Rory.
Rory has severe autism, profound learning disabilities, and complex needs, and for the past few years, Rozalyn has helped care for her brother, as well as learning Makaton to better communicate with him and saving her pocket money to donate towards causes that help children with disabilities. While she takes all of this on, as well as navigating her own childhood without complaint, it is a challenging responsibility, one which has taken a toll on her mental health, including increased anxiety and sleep issues.
“Rozalyn was a shadow of herself,” said Abbie, Rozalyn’s mum. “She was quite anxious, she didn’t want to go to school, which wasn’t like her, and we had to have tests for sickness as she couldn’t keep food down.”
Welcoming Rosa into the family marked a turning point for Rozalyn. Not just a pet, Rosa plays a vital role as Rozalyn’s own ‘doggie carer’, providing her with support, comfort, and a sense of independence.
“Since getting Rosa, it’s like I’ve got my little girl back,” adds Abbie. “She’s more outgoing, confident, and happy. Rosa brings Rozalyn’s childhood back.”
“Rosa is so special,” says Rozalyn. “With Rory, I could never cope, but Rosa’s helped me. I still get worried sometimes, but I feel happy with her.”
Bill Lambert, spokesperson for Crufts, which unveiled this year’s five finalists in Green Park, London, today, said: “This award is an opportunity to celebrate our unsung canine heroes – those dogs that quietly go about changing people’s lives in their own unique and special way, those who keep us safe in society and show extraordinary courage, and those best friends who are by our sides through it all.
“We urge those across the region and beyond to vote for Rosa and show their support for this extraordinary little dog and her unwavering loyalty, love, and companionship, and the remarkable difference she makes for the Merrett family.”
The annual Kennel Club Hero Dog Award celebrates the unique relationships people have with their dogs and the important role man’s best friend plays throughout our lives and in society. Judges from The Kennel Club, one of the UK’s largest dog welfare organisations, selected the five inspiring finalists to go forward for the public vote, with the winner being announced in the bp pulse LIVE arena at Birmingham NEC, and on Channel 4, on the final day of Crufts, the world’s greatest dog show, on Sunday, 9 March.
These five canine heroes are just some of the dogs having their day at Crufts and being celebrated at the event for the ways in which they change our lives.
The winner of The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award will receive £5,000 from The Kennel Club Charitable Trust for the dog charity of their choice, with the other finalists receiving a £1,000 donation to their chosen canine charity.
The public can now watch each of the finalists’ stories, including Rosa’s, in specially made videos and vote for their Hero Dog 2025 until 4pm on Sunday, 9 March, by visiting crufts.org.uk/herodogaward.
