‘Stress Buster’ named Guide Dog of the Year 2009

Life-changing Buster, a three-year-old guide dog who has transformed his owner Marie Nicklin’s life by lifting her out of the depression she felt every winter as the nights drew in, has been crowned the UK’s Overall Champion Guide Dog of the Year 2009.

The winning Golden Retriever is described by his owner Marie as her “personal stress Buster” despite them only qualifying as a partnership 18 months ago. Before having Buster, Marie felt isolated and trapped at home by darker evenings. Now she confidently travels with Buster by her side and has returned to work.

Marie and Buster made the trip from Lancaster to accept their prize from TV personality Peter Purves at the awards ceremony, held in central London on Thursday 1 October.

Buster, named Life Changing Guide Dog of the Year, went nose-to-nose with the winner of Outstanding Work (Vegas, from Torquay, Devon) and Beyond the Call of Duty Guide Dog of the Year (Carmen from Leeds, West Yorkshire) to decide which was given the overall title.

Marie explains why she nominated Buster for the Award: “I have found it over difficult to live alone over the last four years and had to rely on friends or taxis to go out at night, or simply did not.

“When I applied for a guide dog I hoped I would have more freedom and feel more confident. I could never have imagined that Buster would eradicate my feelings of isolation that engulfed me each winter as the nights drew in.

“I cannot explain sufficiently in words what an incredible difference to my mental wellbeing it has made having Buster in my life. Buster has transformed my life; he is my companion at home and has a very calming effect on me. If I ever have to go out without Buster I feel incomplete; as if I have left a part of myself at home.”

Carmen - Beyond the Call of Duty Guide Dog of the Year 2009

Guide dog Carmen from Leeds was chosen as Beyond the Call of Duty Guide Dog of the Year 2009 for her bravery in saving her 84-year-old owner Ivy Needham’s life when she accidentally left her gas tap on and breathed in the deadly fumes for six hours.

The six-and-a-half-year-old Curly Coated Retriever x Labrador woke Ivy, who was lying collapsed in her chair, after being overwhelmed by gas fumes after accidentally knocking the gas tap on after making her lunch. She tugged Ivy’s sleeve until she woke up and waited with her until Ivy’s carers arrived and called an ambulance.

Ivy commented: “My guide dog quite literally saved my life – I would not be here without her! She's my hero”

Undeterred by her experience, Ivy is now back in the kitchen and cooking Christmas cakes.

Vegas - Outstanding Work Guide Dog of the Year 2009

Torquay guide dog Vegas was named Outstanding Work Guide Dog of the Year 2009 after completely transforming the life of her owner Stephanie Read who uses an electric wheelchair.

Vegas is the UK’s first ever dual-purpose guide dog and Canine Partner, trained to guide a wheelchair user. This means Vegas guides Stephanie when they are out and about, as well as helping Stephanie to carry out simple tasks around the home as a Canine Partner – using the washing machine, taking money out of a cashpoint, and picking up the telephone.

Stephanie explains why she nominated Vegas the award; “Vegas’ level of her work has astounded both myself and the trainers. She is one amazing dog!”

Vegas is the only registered assistance dog to perform the dual roles of guiding a blind person and helping a wheelchair user; trained in a ground-breaking project between Guide Dogs and Canine Partners.