Brave dogs up for awards

The old saying that every dog has his day is true for two Midlands dogs who are in the running for national awards for their bravery.

Aiden, a springer spaniel from Brierley Hill, and Teddy, a collie-type dog from Lichfield, are both up for the awards after impressing judges with their very different stories. Aiden has secured a place in the RSPCA's Dog of the Year national final after being named the Wales and West region's favourite pooch by visitors to the charity's website. This is because they were so moved by her heart-rending story.

Teddy has been shortlisted for a Disney Animal Hero award after waking up his adopted family during a fire at their home.

Three-year-old Aiden will compete for the title against five other regional winners from around the country which have been rescued by the RSPCA.

She was found tethered by a nylon rope outside her owner's house in Cradley Heath while they were away on a holiday for a week.

As well as being severely underweight, the rope had dug so deeply into her neck it was close to severing her jugular vein and only three hours of extensive surgery saved her life.

Despite her horrific injuries, she showed so much affection to the veterinary staff who were caring for her. Bonnie Williams, one of the trainee nurses, fell in love with her and gave her a loving new home.

Bonnie, aged 22, from School Road, said: "I just can't believe that someone could mistreat her the way they did. She's so important to me and I can't imagine my life without her. As well as her tragic past, I'm sure it was Aiden's winning smile that won her the vote."

Teddy could be chosen as Hero Dog of the Year by Disney which launched the search for the bravest animals to mark the debut of the children's classic The Jungle Book which comes out on DVD on November 5.

Teddy was taken in by Lyndsey Simkins, aged 31, from Borrowcop Lane, three-and-a-half years ago.