Elton, an assistance dog for seven-year-old Canberra boy Charlie Clode, who has autism, an intellectual disability, and a severe heart condition, has won the Australian Dog of the Year people’s choice award.
“Charlie’s had over 120 hospital admissions and has already had two strokes and seven heart surgeries,” says mum Melissa Clode.
“Elton has been with Charlie for some hospital admissions and is learning to help with seizures. He protects Charlie. What comforts Charlie is getting a big hug from Elton. He brings light to very hard times,” Melissa says.
- Charlie has been in hospital 120 times. What helps? His Supertee (15 November 2022)
As part of his prize, Elton has earned a $150 donation to the Clode family’s chosen charity, Stella Bella Little Stars Foundation, a $100 Pet Circle gift card, and a $750 gift card for a Puppy Tales photography session.
Australian Dog of the Year is seizure alert dog, Baloo, from Ipswich, Queensland.
Dani Stevens, 28, lived with uncontrolled epilepsy for 11 years and could not be alone at any time. Then Baloo came and not only saved her life multiple times, but also gave her independence.
“Baloo alerts three to five minutes prior to oncoming seizures,” Dani says.
“She’s saved my life multiple times, including when I’ve stopped breathing and required CPR. She also protects me from falls daily. Baloo has given me back my life back. She’s my little shadow. At nighttime, she sleeps on my bed and wakes me up at night and barks to alert.”
Elton and Baloo are among the many nominations – from seizure alert dogs and psychiatric assistance dogs to blood donor dogs, conservation dogs, police dogs, and more – for the Dog of the Year awards.
The 2023 Australian Dog of the Year has won a $1000 donation (by Puppy Tales) to the registered charity of the winner’s choice, a $1,000 photography experience with Puppy Tales Photography and a $250 gift card from Pet Circle. Fourteen finalists also received gift cards.
“With these awards, we’re reminded again and again of just how incredible our doggos are, and seen how ordinary Paw-stralians from all across Australia have helped their people, made a difference to others and be outstanding fur-citizens in the communities that they live in,” said Kerry Martin, award-winning pet photographer and founder of Puppy Tales.
You can read all the finalists’ full entries at puppytales.com.au/australian-dog-of-year
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